A Restorative Shift: Implant Instead of a Three Unit Bridge

Objectives: Single tooth implants are now very common and becoming the standard of care in most situations where a single tooth is lost. If a problem develops with an implant, it can be treated on a site - specific basis as it is not linked to natural teeth. By contrast, with a fixed dental bridge, a number of teeth may be affected and the whole restoration could fail. This presentation aims to argue the case for use of implants in single tooth anterior restorations while questioning whether there is adequate preparation of the graduating dentists in offering this treatment option.
Methods: A literature review and the author’s more than 20 years’ experience as a restorative dentist are used to put forward a case for consideration of implant therapy to replace a single anterior tooth rather than use of crown and bridge. Increasingly systematic reviews are pointing to a high success rate for implant therapy and this has raised questions on whether this treatment option is adequately taught to the undergraduates and indeed practicing general dentists in Kenya.
Results: Anterior teeth loss affects the quality of life in aspects of speech, chewing, aesthetic, self-esteem, psychological and social impacts for individuals. The leading cause of anterior teeth loss is trauma but the loss is also associated with chronic periodontitis and its sequelae, as well as caries and congenital absence. Dental implants are currently one of the most commonly used methods of replacing missing dentition. In comparison to conventional prostheses, implant - supported prostheses have a more natural feeling, stability, optimal aesthetics, phonetics and hygiene access. The option of a bridge has been around in dentistry for a long time. A bridge can be very beautiful and predictable option for replacing a missing tooth in many cases and is still viable for us to consider with patients.
Conclusions:
Newly qualified dentists will have patients requesting information on implants and sometimes have to assess and manage restored cases. It would thus seem prudent to increase the teaching of dental implants to best prepare graduating students for independent clinical practice!