Released on: June 9, 2008, 11:54 pm

Press Release Author: Dr. David Scharf

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: When faced with the loss of a tooth many people choose not to
replace it. Research shows that not replacing a missing tooth increases the risk of
losing adjacent teeth. Some methods of tooth replacement increase the risk of tooth
loss even further. Data shows that the least expensive choice may be the most
expensive in the long run. Consumers can use this data to make the best decisions
regarding their own dental heath.

Press Release Body: Babylon, New York (express-press-release) June 10, 2008 - Most
people think that losing and not replacing a missing tooth is a one tooth problem.
Research now shows that leaving a missing tooth with no replacement increases a
person's risk of losing the adjacent teeth. Even worse is the news that choosing
the wrong method of tooth replacement increases the loss of adjacent teeth even
further.

When a tooth is lost the common methods for replacing it include a tooth supported
bridge, an implant supported crown, or a removable partial denture. A person may
also choose not to replace the tooth. A study published in the Journal of the
American Dental Association by Shugars shows some startling data. If the missing
tooth is not replaced, 19% of adjacent teeth are lost. If the space is replaced
with a tooth supported bridge, 10% of adjacent teeth were lost, and if a removable
partial denture was used, 30% of the teeth were lost.

A study of 317 patients by Permanente Dental Associates looked at 317 patients and
found 13% tooth loss if the space was untreated, 7% tooth loss if treated with a
tooth supported bridge, and 17% tooth loss with a removable partial denture.

A report from Truman Medical Center found that over 7-8 years of follow up, 12% of
adjacent teeth failed if left untreated, 7% for a tooth supported bridge, and 22%
for a removable partial denture.

We can see that if a missing tooth is not replaced the loss of adjacent teeth ranges
from 12%-19%. Tooth supported bridges improve survival with tooth loss from 7%-10%.
Removable partial dentures increase abutment tooth loss from 17% to 30% at 4-7
years.

Dr. David Scharf, is a Board Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon and a
Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University College of Dentistry. He says
"Many times consumers will choose to replace a missing tooth with a removable
partial denture because it is the least expensive option. In the long run however,
removable partial dentures may be more costly due the loss of adjacent teeth and the
need for future replacements. Many people opt to replace teeth with dental implants
because they do not compromise the survival of the adjacent teeth." Dr. Scharf notes
"With the price of gasoline and food soaring people try to cut back wherever they
can. Unfortunately choosing the least expensive options for tooth replacement can
have some very costly ramifications down the road."

When a tooth is lost it can be left missing or it can be replaced with a dental
implant, a tooth supported bridge or a removable partial denture. No replacement
raises the risk of adjacent tooth loss and replacement with a partial denture is
even higher with that. Replacement with a tooth supported bridge improves tooth
survival over no replacement. Using a dental implant is the most conservative and
longest lasting method of tooth replacement. Interested parties can read more about
this topic at http://www.drscharf.com


Web Site: http://www.drscharf.com

Contact Details: Melissa Selleck, Director of Public Relations
David R. Scharf, DMD PC
631-661-6633