Replacing Missing Teeth

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Understanding Your Tooth Replacement Options

Losing a tooth can affect much more than your smile. Missing teeth may make it harder to chew certain foods, affect speech, and change the way your remaining teeth come together. Over time, the extra pressure placed on the surrounding teeth can contribute to excessive wear, damage, or additional tooth loss. Some patients may also experience jaw discomfort or headaches as their bite changes.

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that once supported it no longer receives the same stimulation and may gradually shrink. Bone loss can make future tooth replacement more challenging, particularly when dental implants are being considered. Replacing a missing tooth sooner can help preserve the available bone and maintain the natural appearance and function of your smile.

Dental implants are one of the most effective long-term options for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth while helping maintain the surrounding jawbone. Your dental team can evaluate your oral health and discuss the available options so you can choose the solution that best fits your needs.

Tooth Replacement Options

There are several ways to replace missing teeth, ranging from temporary removable options to durable, long-term restorations.

People who have lost one or more teeth may be candidates for tooth replacement. Age alone does not determine whether someone is suitable for dental implants. However, factors such as smoking, certain medical conditions, previous radiation treatment, and the amount of available jawbone may affect implant treatment and healing.

Dental X-rays and, when necessary, detailed 3D imaging can help evaluate the jawbone and determine whether additional procedures are needed before implant placement.

Fixed Bridge

A fixed dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by connecting replacement teeth to the natural teeth next to the space. The supporting teeth typically need to be prepared so the bridge can be securely attached.

Flipper

A flipper is a removable temporary tooth replacement made from lightweight plastic. It can provide an affordable short-term solution while a more permanent treatment option is being planned.

Metal Partial Denture

A removable partial denture can replace several missing teeth using a combination of metal and acrylic components. It is designed to attach to the remaining teeth and can be removed for cleaning and maintenance.

Complete Denture

Complete dentures are designed for patients who are missing all of their teeth in one or both arches. While many patients adjust well to traditional dentures, comfort and stability can vary depending on the shape and condition of the jaw.

Dental Implants

Dental implants provide a stable, long-term foundation for replacing missing teeth. An implant can support an individual replacement tooth, a bridge, or an implant-supported denture. Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant does not require healthy neighboring teeth to be significantly altered for support. Dental implants can also help preserve the jawbone by providing stimulation similar to that of a natural tooth root.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer several advantages compared with traditional tooth replacement options.

A traditional bridge may require preparation of otherwise healthy teeth next to the missing tooth. Removable dentures and partial dentures can also move during eating or speaking and need to be removed for cleaning.

Dental implants are fixed in place and can provide improved stability and chewing function. They also help maintain the bone surrounding the missing tooth and can provide a more natural-feeling replacement.

The best treatment option depends on your oral health, bone condition, number of missing teeth, lifestyle, and long-term goals. A dental professional can evaluate your situation and recommend the most appropriate approach.

Signs you may need treatment

One or More
Missing Teeth

Difficulty Chewing
or Speaking

Changes in Your Bite
or Jaw Comfort

Loose or Uncomfortable
Dentures

What to expect

1

Evaluate

We examine your teeth, gums, bite, and jawbone and use dental X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging when needed to determine the best tooth-replacement option for you.

2

Plan

We develop a personalized treatment plan based on the number of missing teeth, available bone, your oral health, and your long-term goals. If implants are planned, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be recommended when necessary.

3

Restore

Once your mouth is ready, we place and restore the appropriate tooth replacement, whether it is a bridge, denture, or dental implant-supported restoration, to help restore comfortable function and a natural-looking smile.

Common questions

What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?
Common options include fixed bridges, removable partial dentures, complete dentures, temporary flippers, and dental implants. The best option depends on your oral health and individual needs.
Yes. A dental implant can replace a single missing tooth without requiring significant preparation of the neighboring healthy teeth.
Yes. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone supporting that tooth can gradually shrink because it no longer receives normal stimulation from the tooth root. The extent of bone loss varies from person to person.
Many people missing one or more teeth may be candidates for implants. Your dentist will evaluate your overall oral health, jawbone condition, and other factors to determine whether implants are appropriate for you.
Dental implants offer advantages such as stability, preservation of supporting bone, and no need to significantly alter neighboring healthy teeth. However, bridges and dentures can also be appropriate depending on your individual circumstances.