There is no doubt that your own teeth as imagined by nature are the best solution for all the functions of the oral cavity - feeding, speech and smile. Loss of one or more teeth due to caries, failed treatment or trauma is not uncommon. It is recommended that any lost tooth be replaced as soon as possible to avoid any of the side effects. In places where a tooth has been extracted over many years, the jawbone retracts, adjacent teeth tilt, and the teeth in the opposite jaw emerge into an empty space - all of which later complicate the process of replacing a missing tooth. What are the factors influencing the decision to prosthetically resolve such a situation in the oral cavity? Implants are replacements made of titanium material that are implanted in the jawbone and with their function and appearance absolutely mimic a natural tooth. Once implanted, bone grows around them so that the implant becomes an integral part of the jawbone and the body. Because they give the patient a sense of unity, and in no way differ in appearance from a natural tooth, they are very well accepted among patients and are a major recommendation for replacing one or more missing teeth. However, implant placement is sometimes difficult or even impossible, especially when a long time has passed since the loss of the tooth and there has been a pronounced retraction of the bone or the adjacent teeth are tilted so much that there is simply not enough space to place the implant.
The bridge is a prosthetic work fixed on the teeth and is not removed from the oral cavity as is the case with dentures. As its name suggests, the bridge bridges the edentulous area so that adjacent teeth are ground, and connected between them in the edentulous space is a modeled tooth made of ceramic material that completely mimics the appearance of the missing tooth. The negative side of making a bridge is the inevitable grinding of the teeth, which removes part of the tooth structure, enamel and dentin. It is also necessary to plan the construction of the bridge well, because in this way it is not possible to bridge large toothless spaces without overloading the teeth that carry it. However, even when there is a strong retraction of the bone due to long-term edentulousness, this is not a problem for making a bridge. It also provides a kind of protection for teeth with large fillings, because such ground teeth with fillings are covered with solid metal and / or ceramic material. provides resistance to chewing forces and reduces the possibility of their breakage. In cases of loss of a large number of teeth or even if all teeth are missing, a denture can be made, a prosthetic work that is taken out of the mouth. Fortunately, situations in which dentures in their sockets are movable when feeding, speaking, or laughing, causing patients to feel insecure, are a thing of the past. Today, prostheses can be fixed in their bearing with implants, which is why they provide a greater feeling of security and unity with the prosthetic replacement. Deciding on the best solution for toothlessness therapy is not easy and many factors need to be considered - good cooperation with your dentist is necessary to meet your requirements and wishes according to the situation in the oral cavity.