You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
There are various ways to replace missing teeth that provide full functionality and a natural appearance. Too many people avoid asking the dentist about their options out of fear that replacing a tooth will cost too much money.
While everyone’s budget is different, with numerous options to choose from it is likely that one will work. Here is a list of tooth replacement options to choose from:
A dental bridge is one of the easiest ways to replace a single tooth. A dental bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth. The teeth on either side of the gap are used as anchors, while a synthetic tooth is used to fill the space in the center.
Your dentist will do an oral assessment of the area where the dental bridge will be installed to determine if you are a candidate for a dental bridge. Whether a dental bridge is appropriate or not will depend on the location of the missing tooth in the mouth.
Your dentist will assess the anchor teeth to ensure they are strong enough to support a dental prosthetic. There are four types of dental bridges which include:
A traditional bridge comprises one dental crown attached to the surrounding teeth with a fake tooth or teeth in between. With a traditional bridge, the dental crowns provide anchor points, while the fake tooth bridges the gap.
Cantilever dental bridges differ from traditional dental bridges in that only a single anchor tooth is used.
A Maryland bonded bridge uses the same structure as a traditional dental bridge. However, a metal or porcelain framework is used instead of using dental crowns as anchors.
Implant-supported dental bridges use the same structure as traditional bridges. However, they are anchored in place with dental implants.
After tooth extraction, you can get a dental bridge in one to two weeks. To clean beneath the bridge properly, you will require special interproximal brushes and floss threaders. With modern technological advancements, dental bridges look like natural teeth.
A dental bridge can last 15 years or more with the appropriate care.
A dental implant is a surgical device inserted into the jawbone that’s allowed to integrate with the bone over time.
The procedure for installing a dental implant starts with metal screws replacing the root of your tooth. These will serve as an anchor for the false tooth placed on top.
After the screws have been placed, you must wait a few months for the implant to heal, during which time it will become securely attached to your jawbone. Once the implant has healed completely, the dentist will place a dental crown on top of it.
A dental implant fused to the jawbone is the closest thing to a natural tooth since it stands alone without impacting surrounding teeth and is highly stable. Dental implants, if properly cared for, can last a lifetime.
A denture is a removable replacement for missing natural teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures:
A full denture, often known as a complete denture, covers the entire mouth rather than just a portion of it. It replaces missing teeth in those who have lost all of their teeth.
A removable partial denture or bridge comprises replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base usually held in place in the mouth by a metal framework. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw.
Removable partial dentures are a less expensive option for tooth replacement. Plastic partial dentures have long been used as emergency or temporary tooth replacements, allowing the gums and bone to heal before moving on to a more permanent option. However, new materials like Valplast® have been developed recently to give long-lasting, flexible alternatives in specific conditions.
So what happens if you choose not to replace a tooth? While you may think replacing missing teeth does not matter, the consequences of not replacing teeth can include:
If you are missing a tooth, you’ll need it taken care of by a dental professional. Book an appointment with one of our dentists at Smile Design Dentistry and discuss your replacement options.
Consultations can make some patients nervous, but there’s nothing to fear. If you’re stressing about this appointment, talking with our team will help you feel more comfortable.
Here’s what to expect at your initial complimentary dental consultation:
Dental history check
We do this to know about your dental past so that we can identify patterns and plan out your treatment.
We take a careful look at your teeth to learn about your oral health and identify the proper steps to take to achieve your goals.
If you might need an implant placement or undergo surgery, we’ll want to take x-rays or CT scans to ensure that we have precise, detailed images of the treatment area and surrounding structures.
We’ll recommend treatments that meet your needs, improve your oral function, and increase your chances of success.
We want you to be well-informed and educated about your options so that you can fully understand any procedure and its outcomes. It’s good to do some research before your session to prepare for a thorough discussion.
If you have dental insurance, we’ll go over what kind of coverage you may expect. If you don’t, we’ll go over our rates and the potential treatment costs with you.
As much as we would like to save all teeth, some circumstances require a tooth extraction due to extensive dental decay, deep fractures, or gum disease. In these instances, it is crucial to understand your tooth replacement options.
Do you have a missing tooth that needs replacement? At Smile Design Dentistry, we believe everyone deserves compassionate and affordable dental care. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about your tooth replacement options.
Family-owned and operated, Smile Design provides personalized attention for each of our patients throughout the state of Florida. We believe in building a strong, trusting relationship with our patients and we’ll take the time to get to know you, listen to your concerns, and answer any questions you may have about your dental hygiene, oral health problems, the treatments our doctors recommend, and your smile appearance.
Find a Location