Whether or not you are missing a tooth or need an extraction, there are four ways in which this can be remedied.
One of the ways to replace a single tooth gap is with an implant. An implant is a structure made of alloplastic/artificial materials implanted into the oral tissues beneath or through the bone to give retention and support for a fixed/ removable dental prosthesis aka tooth. An implant is a great way to replace a single tooth gap because there is a survival rate of 97%, along with a natural looking tooth and decreased sensitivity with the two teeth next to it.
Another way to replace a single tooth gap is with a bridge. A bridge is simply used to replace 1 or more missing teeth, made up of a row of crowns. A bridge is another good way of replacing a single tooth gap, but the success rate drops down to 81.78-94.66%. Although the success rate is lower, it does give a natural appearance and feel along with the rest of the teeth in your mouth.
A third way in replacing a single tooth gap is using a partial denture. A Partial Denture is a dental appliance designed to replace missing teeth, and in our case one, in an individual who still has some natural teeth. A Partial denture has a fair survival rate of 93.2% after 10 years and 68.6% after 20 years. Although these survival rates are okay, people who have had these prostheses have concerns about overall comfort, oral hygiene and potential of damage to the teeth around it, bringing the survival rate of the surrounding teeth to 91.3% after 10 years, and 77.3% after 20 years.
Lastly, no treatment to a single tooth gap is always an option. Out of all of these options, this one is a bit risky as failure to fill a Single Tooth gap can result in shifting of teeth and loss of bone support. Although this can happen, most don’t experience any consequences with not filling a single tooth gap. It is recommended for these people to come in regularly for any dental checkup.
