City Dental Implants
Wilton
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63a Wilton Road
Victoria
LONDON SW1V 1DE 020 7834 6361
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Oops ! Mind the gap. How to deal with missing teeth - your options
Missing teeth may affect appearance, speech, chewing, other standing teeth and jaw-joint function. There are a few treatment options
for management of this condition. Options most suitable for you depend on several factors including your general health, the state
of your jaws, gums and other surrounding structures, your own choice and affordability. Provided below is a summary of options available
in management of missing teeth
Option 2 - Wearing dentures
Dentures are removable appliances. The artificial teeth are made of acrylic (plastic) attached to either
a plastic or metal base. The denture is supported in the mouth by other standing teeth and the gums. They are relatively cheaper than
bridges and implants and easy to maintain. They are not very popular for fear of dropping out, occupying a large space and movement
(rocking)with talking and chewing.
Option 4 - Dental Implants
These small Titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone where the gap is located. Implants may support
a crown for a single missing tooth or a bridge or denture where there is a wider gap. Inserting dental implants involves minor oral
surgery ususally under local anaesthesia and is hence painless. They are the most expensive option at onset but last by far the longest
and hence prove the least expensive option.
Option 1 - Leaving the gap open
Gaps can be left open if the missing tooth or teeth are at the back and do not affect appearance and
/ or chewing. Gaps are not acceptable in the front or anywhere several teeth are missing. Leaving gaps open may also allow teeth to
drift or tilt. There is also an increased risk of gum disease and jaw-joint problems
Option 3 - Fitting a dental bridge
Bridges are fixed appliances that are supported by teeth adjacent to the gap. These teeth would
have been trimmed down to accommodate the bridge.They may also be supported by posts fitted in tooth roots or by implants. They are
more stable than dentures but may involve filing down of healthy teeth next to the gap. They are also more expensive than dentures.
