Three ways to treat missing teeth
Many people are troubled by tooth loss due to cavities or periodontal disease. There is also a good chance of losing teeth through sports, etc. In this article, we will introduce three common treatments for tooth loss.Each treatment method has its advantages and disadvantages.So even if you are not worried at the moment, it is important to know about treatment options as preliminary knowledge. Please use this information as a reference.
Treatment method 1Implant treatment
What is implant treatment?A treatment in which an artificial tooth root (implant) is inserted into the area where a tooth has been lost, and an artificial tooth cap is attached on top of it.Compared to bridges and dentures, implant treatment has a structure that is closest to natural teeth. Also, out of the three treatment methods, it is the treatment that puts the least strain on the surrounding healthy teeth.
Treatment method 2Bridge Treatment
What is bridge treatment?A treatment method to replace a missing tooth by grinding down the teeth on either side of the missing tooth and fitting a cap that connects the missing tooth to the number of teeth on either side that support it.This is a treatment method used when there are only one or two missing teeth. Bridges are not removable like dentures.
Treatment method 3Dentures
Dentures are made by connecting several artificial teeth with artificial resin. They are fixed to healthy surrounding teeth or gums to restore the ability to chew food.This is a treatment method that is suitable for those who have lost three or more teeth.If you are missing all of your teeth, you will need a "complete denture," and if you are missing some, you will need a "partial denture." Dentures are removable, unlike bridges and implants.
Comparison chart of various treatments
| イ ン プ ラ ン ト | bridge | Dentures | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum chewing force | 35-40kg | 21-25kg | 10-12kg |
| Duration of treatment | 3-6 months | A few weeks | 1-3 months |
| life | semi-permanent | Replace every 5 to 10 years (depending on material) | Repair or replacement every 3 to 4 years (depending on material) |
| Effects on surrounding teeth | (I.e. No need to grind down surrounding teeth or put strain on them |
✕ The surrounding teeth need to be removed |
△ Clasp puts pressure on surrounding teeth |
| Feeling of wearing | (I.e. good |
(I.e. good |
✕ Something feels off |
| Cleanability | △ Needs maintenance at a dental clinic |
△ No maintenance is required, but dirt tends to accumulate in the gap in the middle. |
△ You need to clean it yourself |
| Appearance | (I.e. good |
(I.e. good |
✕ Metal clasps are often visible |
| Insurance Coverage | None | None | Yes |
| Insurance Coverage | ✕ The market price is about several hundred thousand yen per bottle. |
△ If it is insurance, it is inexpensive, but ceramic etc. are expensive because they need to be produced in the number of pieces required. |
△ If you have insurance, it is cheap, but there are many types of private medical treatment and depending on the type, it can be expensive |