Final answer:
When a substantial amount of tooth is missing, a dental bridge or an implant is used for restoration. Dental bridges use adjacent teeth as supports, while an implant involves inserting a metal post into the jawbone. Non-destructive and reversible procedures are prioritized for the preservation of tooth structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a substantial amount of tooth is missing, the restoration used is typically a dental bridge or an implant. Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They consist of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth/teeth in between. The anchoring teeth are known as abutment teeth and the false teeth as pontics. Implants, on the other hand, involve a surgical procedure where a metal post or frame is positioned into the jawbone, and a replacement tooth is mounted on this implant.
In cases where the remaining structures of the teeth, such as roots or partial crowns, are not strong enough to support a restoration on their own, dentists may turn to dental bridges. These restorations are often supported by the neighboring healthy teeth, which may need to be prepared to serve as supportive structures for the bridge. If the supporting teeth also have cavities, these can provide an additional retention point for the bridging structure.
Dentists must consider several factors when choosing the appropriate restoration, including the condition of surrounding teeth, the patient's oral health, and the aesthetic and functional needs. The preservation of remaining tooth structures and the possibility for future treatments to be easily performed highlight the importance of non-destructive and reversible procedures whenever possible.