When a tooth is missing due to loss or extraction, the surrounding teeth often shift – sometimes within very short periods of time. This change in tooth position can cause problems with the bite or gums that can be expensive and time-consuming to correct later.

It is therefore best to consider the replacement of a missing tooth as quickly as possible in most circumstances. Sometimes the bite may remain stable even after the loss of teeth, and in these situations your dentist may advise that you could leave the space if it is not an aesthetic problem for you.

Single or multiple missing teeth may be replaced with a fixed bridge. Teeth either side of the space are used to anchor the bridge, either with some preparation of these teeth, or occasionally with no preparation at all.

Alternatives to bridgework include removable dentures or dental implants.

Typically, an implant is the treatment of choice as it is very predictable, does not involve any damage to adjacent teeth, and will last many years if looked after.

Removable dentures are less ideal as they can promote collection of plaque and food debris around the adjacent teeth, and generally it’s harder to eat with a denture than a bridge or an implant retained tooth.

However, all these solutions do have their place, and your experienced dentist will always advise and discuss all the alternatives available to you.

There are two types of bridge that are available, they are discussed below and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each listed:

I want a bridge, what are my options?

The tooth could be replaced with a conventional fixed bridge or with an adhesive, or “Maryland” bridge.

Conventional fixed bridgework would involve fixing a crown to the teeth adjacent to the gap. The bridge consists of two crowns and the replacement tooth all in one metal/porcelain unit.

Advantages
This will provide you with an excellent aesthetic result and good long-term solution.

Disadvantages
The preparation will involve drilling away some healthy tooth tissue from the adjacent teeth.

Advantages
The preparation will involve very little reduction of healthy tooth.

Disadvantages
The bridge is likely to require re-bonding periodically if it debonds – which is possible.

Implant Option
The space can be restored with a dental implant. Information on implants can be found in the implant section of the website; leaflets and further information in relation to this treatment can also be requested from the practice.

Advantages of Implants
This option requires no preparation of the teeth, it can give very good aesthetic results and the long-term prognosis is very good.

Disadvantages of implants
This option initially requires a greater financial commitment.

York Place Dental in Carlisle offers dental bridges to conceal gaps in teeth and fix bite issues.