Single vs. Multiple Tooth Replacement By N. Perry Orchard on July 03, 2013

Adult tooth loss is one of the most dreaded oral health problems. When possible, cosmetic dentists Charles A. Robertson and N. Perry Orchard will do everything in their power to save a damaged tooth. Unfortunately, there are cases when tooth extraction is the only viable option. In these cases, Drs. Robertson and Orchard can provide their Corpus Christi patients with tooth replacement that restores oral function and aesthetics. There are a number of dental restorations available to replace missing teeth. A factor in determining which restorative treatment will be used will be whether a patient requires single or multiple tooth replacement.

Single Tooth Replacement

First we should explain the term “single tooth replacement.” Single tooth replacement does not necessarily mean that only a single tooth requires replacement. It does mean that there is only a single missing tooth in a particular area of the mouth. For instance, a patient who has a single tooth missing from the top jaw bone and.or a single tooth missing from the bottom jaw bone will require single tooth replacement. Restorative options for single tooth replacement include:

Dental bridge: A dental bridge can be used to secure a dental crown on a single missing tooth. A dental bridge is secured on either side of the missing tooth and will require the placement of dental crowns on the adjacent teeth as well.
Dental implant and crown: Dental implants use surgically placed screws to anchor dental restorations such as dental crowns. Although dental implants treatment is more costly than a dental bridge, it is the most secure and durable single tooth replacement. An additional benefit of dental implants is that it does not require any alteration to surrounding teeth.

Multiple Tooth Replacement

Multiple tooth replacement options are offered to those patients who have a group of teeth missing from the same area of the mouth. There are more options for patients to consider when multiple tooth replacement is required. Some of the restorative options for multiple teeth include:

Dental bridge: A dental bridge is an option for multiple teeth replacement as well as single tooth replacement. The only difference when the bridge is replacing multiple teeth is that the bridge will secure a single pontic piece that is made to resemble a set of teeth, rather than a set of dental crowns.
Dental implants: Just as a dental bridge, dental implants are a great option for single or multiple tooth replacement. When multiple teeth are being replaced with dental implants, the implants can secure dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures. When dental bridges or dentures are anchored to dental implants, a single implant will not be required for each tooth.
Dentures: Dentures are another multiple tooth replacement option for patients to consider. With advanced dental techniques, dentures can now be made to look very realistic. The downside to dentures that are not secured by dental implants is that they require special care and may slip or shift in the mouth.

Schedule an Appointment

Whether you are in need of replacement for a single missing tooth or a set of missing teeth, Drs. Charles A. Robertson and N. Perry Orchard can help you explore the restorative treatment options so that you choose one best suited to your needs. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to begin the restoration of your smile.