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SINGLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT.
The above images show a missing tooth and it's replacement
with an implant. There are four main reasons for
choosing an implant over a bridge for tooth replacement.
As explained in the FAQ, if bone is not slightly
stressed by a tooth, it will resorb over time. A
bridge provides a "false tooth" which
only "floats" above the gum tissue, therefore
the bone is not being used. An implant is actually
placed into the bone and acts like a natural tooth
and strengthens the supporting bone.
Studies have shown that over a 10 year period, approximately
20% of bridges fail and need to be replaced. The
number one reason for this is due to decay of teeth
supporting the bridge. An implant tooth is not able
to develop decay, so the number one reason for failure
is eliminated.
To create a span for a bridge, two or more teeth
require "cutting down", so the bridge
can be fitted over them. Studies show that up to
30% of these teeth that are "cut down"
will require root canal therapy. When an implant
is placed, no other teeth are disturbed since the
implant is self-supporting.
The final reason is since a bridge is all one piece,
it can't be flossed like natural teeth. The floss
has to be threaded underneath the false tooth in
order to clean the supporting teeth. This usually
takes some extra effort and for this reason, most
people don't clean their bridge(s) as often as they
should. The bone loss from lack of function in the
missing tooth area and the difficulty of cleaning
under the bridge increases the possibility of developing
decay and periodontal disease leading to failure
of the bridge. Since an implant is more like a natural
tooth, it can be cleaned with as much ease as a
natural tooth.
A very important factor in implants is proper placement.
They should be inserted in the most ideal site for
a natural tooth to be able to handle the load of
chewing and biting. The length and width of the
implant also needs to be taken into consideration
with the factors of the tooth it's replacing and
the bone type involved.
Browse the following list and click on any other
subject that might be of your interest:
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About dr. Obando 
