Do you need to replace a tooth or several teeth?  Are you trying to decide between having an implant placed to support a single crown or getting a fixed bridge?  Here are some facts that you should consider.

• If you have teeth with no fillings or only small fillings on either side of the missing tooth space those teeth will have to be ground down significantly for a fixed bridge. (see diagram)

• Fixed bridges are prone to getting tooth decay around the edges where the crown meets the tooth. Approximately 10-15% of the fixed bridges will get decay in ten years, and more than 35% will decay in 15 years.

• Teeth prepared for fixed bridges are more likely to need future root canal therapy.

• Teeth that support fixed bridges that have had root canal treatment are more likely to have complications, such as, cracked roots and loose posts.

• If the tooth supporting the fixed bridge is in the lower jaw and that tooth has root canal treatment, there is a greater chance of complications.

• Keeping fixed bridges clean from plaque with floss is more challenging; food getting stuck is a problem.

• The long-term survival rate of a fixed bridge is worse when you add in other factors such as bone loss due to periodontal disease, grinding and clenching.

• Fixed bridges need to be replaced.  The costs of replacing fixed bridges need to be factored into cost analyses when deciding on treatment.

• Teeth that support a removable plate will become loose and weakened.  They must often be extracted. This is especially true if they have had root canal therapy.

So what is the answer? There is no question that dental implants are the safe, state-of the-art way to create a dentition that most closely resembles your natural teeth.   We urge you to contact our office today to learn about the great smile that is waiting for you.