Tooth Replacement

Gum disease, tooth decay, injury, or a genetic condition can all be behind a missing tooth.

Regardless of the underlying cause for missing teeth, if you’re looking to replace a lost tooth or make adjustments to the overall appearance of your mouth, there are different treatments available.

Here’s a look at a few options to replace missing teeth, as well as the pros and cons of each option and cost information.

Dental implants
Dental implants are an option when you need to replace a single tooth, or when you’re missing several teeth in different areas of your mouth.

This treatment involves surgically mounting a titanium metal post or frame into your upper or lower jaw. A replacement tooth is then mounted to the implant, which allows the tooth to remain in place.

Basically, a dental implant provides a permanent base for a replacement tooth.

Advantages of dental implants
The biggest advantage is that the replacement tooth resembles a natural tooth and can last for decades.

Another advantage of an implant is that nearby teeth aren’t involved (like with a bridge), so the rest of your teeth should remain intact.

Fixed dental bridge
If you don’t want a dental implant, see if you’re a candidate for a fixed dental bridge. This tooth replacement option might be effective if you’re missing one or more teeth in the same area.

A fixed bridge essentially bridges a gap caused by a missing tooth using a dental prosthetic or artificial tooth. The prosthetic is attached to adjacent teeth and then bonded in place using dental cement.

Advantages of dental bridges
Bridges are beneficial because they feel and look like natural teeth. You might find they improve the appearance of your natural teeth on either side of the space.

They’re also typically cheaper than dental implants.

Removable partial dentures
Your dentist may suggest complete dentures if you need to replace all of your teeth. But if you only need to replace some of your teeth, you might be a candidate for a removable partial denture.

This dental appliance consists of replacement teeth attached to a natural-looking pink base.

Your natural teeth stabilize and hold the removable plastic base in place, although some dentures have a clasp that adjoins to natural teeth.

The base is designed to match the color of your gums, and the teeth the color of your natural teeth. These dentures might be an option if you need to replace multiple teeth in one part of your mouth.

Advantages of partial dentures
Removable partial dentures look and feel natural in the mouth, and they’re also less expensive and easier to repair and replace than other tooth replacement options.