Advantages of Each Alternative
There are known advantages to each alternative. Using the previous example, ask yourself what are the advantages of a crown supported by an implant?
- It is not necessary to remove tooth structure from the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.
- The implant will feel similar to the patient's own tooth after the surgery has healed.
- The crown placed on the implant looks, feels, and chews like a normal tooth.
Obviously, this choice will probably be the patient's preference if it can be done, but the advantages of the other potential treatments also need to be discussed.