TOOTH REPLACEMENT EXPLAINED
Understand the main options for restoring or replacing teeth
Tooth replacement made easier to understand
Terms such as crown, bridge, implant and denture are often used interchangeably, but they describe very different treatments. We explain the options in plain language so you can understand what is being restored, what is being replaced and what the long-term maintenance involves.
Crown or partial crown
Used to restore an existing tooth when a filling alone is no longer sufficient. Whenever possible, preparation is kept as conservative as the defect allows.
Bridge
A fixed bridge replaces a missing tooth by connecting it to neighbouring teeth. It can be an excellent option when the supporting teeth already need restorations, but it may require preparation of tooth structure and must be designed for cleaning.
Dental implant
An implant can replace a missing tooth without preparing adjacent teeth. It requires suitable bone and soft tissue, careful surgical and restorative planning and long-term implant maintenance.
Removable prosthesis
Removable dentures remain important, particularly when several teeth are missing or a fixed solution is not appropriate. Teeth and/or implants can sometimes be used to improve support and retention.
The most appropriate option is individual. We compare tooth prognosis, bone, periodontal health, hygiene, function, aesthetics, treatment time and cost before making a recommendation.
