Single-Tooth Replacement: Bridge vs. Implant-Supported Restoration

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Single-Tooth Replacement: Bridge vs. Implant-Supported Restoration
Ken Hebel, B.Sc., DDS, MS, Cert. Prostho.
Reena Gajjar, DDS, Cert. Prostho.
Theresa Hofstede, B.Sc., Cert. Prostho
JCDA
Abstract:
Options for restoring a single tooth include fixed partial denture, resin-bonded restoration and single-tooth implant. In this paper, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and factors that must be considered when choosing between them for the replacement of a single tooth. Although in some cases a fixed partial denture is the most appropriate choice, implants have the advantage of allowing preservation of the integrity of sound teeth adjacent to the edentulous area.
Clinicians are routinely faced with the need to restore a single tooth in an otherwise nonrestored dentition. Traumatic incidents, caries and congenitally missing teeth are common etiologies. In these situations, the treatment options include a traditional fixed partial denture, a resin-bonded restoration and a single-tooth implant. Although each is a viable treatment alternative, the implant restoration has definite advantages. It has become an esthetic, functional restoration with long-term predictability,1 and it is the ideal treatment for a single-tooth replacement in a pristine dentition.
The Fixed Partial Denture
The traditional treatment for a single edentulous space is a conventional fixed partial denture. A major shortcoming of this alternative is the significant tooth reduction of the abutments.2 Subgingival margins are required in esthetic situations, but these are associated with increased gingival inflammation.3,4 In addition, the longevity of a fixed partial denture is estimated at 8.3-10.3 years.5,6 Consequently, a young patient would require numerous replacements of this restoration over a lifetime.
However, in some instances, a fixed partial denture is the most appropriate choice, as shown in Figs. 1 to 4. This young woman presented with missing lateral incisors due to bilateral cleft lip and palate (Fig. 1). As a result of demineralization of the lingual surfaces of the central incisors, resin-bonded bridges were not an option. The lack of bone prevented placement of implants and, thus, fixed partial dentures were the treatment of choice. Figures 2, 3 and 4 show Empress 2 bridges.
Resin-Bonded Restoration
Resin-bonded bridges were introduced as an alternative to traditional fixed partial dentures after Rochette7 introduced this restoration as a periodontal splint. The option offered a more conservative method of tooth replacement; tooth preparations are limited to the lingual surfaces of abutment teeth. However, these preparations are more technique sensitive because they must remain in enamel yet provide occlusal clearance and adequate room for the restorations. A major disadvantage of the resin-bonded bridge is the frequency of debonding. Debonding rates of 25-31% have been reported.8,9
Implants
Since the early 1980s, the use of osseointegrated implants has become a well-established and predictable treatment. Initially, oral implants were used in the completely edentulous situation.10,11 Later, a high degree of success was achieved with implants in partly edentulous jaws.12,13 The single-tooth implant has also become a predictable treatment option.1,14
Implants offer significant advantages over resin-bonded or conventional bridges. They prevent the needless restoration of sound teeth adjacent to the edentulous area as would be required for a fixed partial denture. In instances where the adjacent teeth have no restorations, a single-tooth implant provides the opportunity to preserve the integrity of the existing teeth (Figs. 5, 6 and 7).
For young people with congenitally missing teeth, a single-tooth implant is undoubtedly the restoration of choice. Figures 8 ,9 10, 11 show the restoration of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors with 2 single-tooth implants. The final restorations are highly esthetic and functional, and preserve sound tooth structure of the existing teeth.
Bridge or Implant
Many factors must be considered when choosing between a 3-unit bridge and an implant for the replacement of a single tooth. Often the bias of the dentist plays a role rather than objective appraisal of the treatment options. There are advantages and disadvantages to both forms of treatment.
A 3-unit bridge is within the training and experience of most restorative dentists. This form of restoration requires the reduction of the abutment teeth resulting in an increased incidence of endodontic therapy and root decay (Fig. 12).15 If the abutment teeth have large restorations, they would benefit from abutment preparation. However, if the teeth have small restorations or if they are virgin teeth, they would be damaged by abutment preparation and be placed at increased risk. In addition, cement loss or wash out under a retainer can lead to tooth loss. Bridges constitute a single restoration. Based on clinical experience, if one part of the bridge fails, the whole restoration fails, often with the loss of an abutment tooth. Despite these disadvantages, a 3-unit bridge is usually completed in a short time, often with the financial support of dental insurance, and esthetic control is fairly predictable.
Implants require training that is not sufficiently addressed in most undergraduate dental programs and, therefore, is not within the practice realm of all restorative dentists. An implant takes longer to complete than a 3-unit bridge, but costs about the same if grafting is not required. Dental insurance seldom helps with financial support for implants. In addition, implants can be more demanding if bone and soft tissues are inadequate. Areas of tissue deficiency should also be addressed with grafting in the pontic space for 3-unit bridges, but often these defects are ignored.
The tremendous advantage of the single-tooth implant lies in the fact that the adjacent teeth are not prepared. These teeth are left in their current state of health and are not linked as part of a larger restoration. The adjacent teeth have a better prognosis, as they are not subject to a higher incidence of endodontic therapy and decay as a result of tooth preparation. Patients should be properly advised of the advantages and disadvantages of both types of single-tooth replacement, so they can make an informed decision.
Advances in technology have altered our treatment philosophy in the replacement of a single tooth. In many instances, a single-tooth implant is the restoration of choice, providing a highly esthetic, functional, long-term result.
NOTE: Please visit the website to view the referenced Figures.