What are the options to replace missing teeth?
There are basically there ways of replacing missing teeth, fixed prosthesis, removable prosthesis and implants. Fixed prosthesis or bridges require the support of adjacent teeth of the opening. These supporting teeth or abutments will be reduced to a smaller size (0.5mm to 1mm all around) then full coverage crowns will cover the reduced teeth. In the meantime a tooth form or pontic will be cast together with the crowns and will replace the missing teeth. All units will be cemented on the supporting teeth. Bridges are indicated when there are not many teeth are missing or major soft tissue defects. Removable prosthesis are dentures. They usually have a plate to connect all the replacement teeth and some type of retention method to make sure the plate will stay in place. They are indicated when there are many teeth missing and /or there are substantial soft/bony tissue defect. Implants are small teeth roots like metal objects surgically inserted into the jaw bone. Once completely incorpo
