Replace Multiple Missing TeethLower Back
Situation: Multiple Missing Lower Teeth
- Functional problem due to missing teeth
- Opposing teeth can erupt downward
- Jaw and muscle problems may develop without support of back molars
- Higher risk of cavities and bone loss in remaining teeth
Treatment Options
Removable Partial Denture
Advantages:
- Most economical
- Tooth and lost bone and gum structure may easily be replaced in one appliance
Disadvantages:
- Bulk
- Must be removed nightly
- Difficulty with speech
- Altered taste
- Risk of cavities and bone loss
- Difficult to chew
Fixed Partial Denture with Cantilevered Pontic (no back support)
Advantages:
- Fixed and predictable
- Immediate result
- Average live span is 5 7 years
Disadvantages:
- A bridge with no back support has poor strength
- Need to incorporate more teeth in the bridge
- Prepared teeth may need root canal treatment
- After tooth structure has been removed, a tooth is susceptible to cavities
- There is a risk of progressing bone loss
- Regular chewing forces cause the bridge to come out
Fixed Partial Denture
Advantages:
- Fixed and predictable
- Immediate result
- Average live span is 5 7 years
Disadvantages:
- Long span bridge has poor strength
- Need to incorporate more teeth in the bridge
- Prepared teeth may need root canal treatment
- After tooth structure has been removed, a tooth is susceptible to cavities
- There is a risk of progressing bone loss
Dental Implant Supported Fixed Partial Denture
Advantages:
- Fixed
- Excellent function, bite force is 95% of natural dentition
- Stabilize bone
- No adjacent tooth preparation is necessary
Disadvantages
- Longer treatment time to final restoration
- Need for minor surgery
- May need site preparation to replace missing bone and soft tissue prior to dental implant placement
