Fix Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth unexpectedly can be inconvenient and embarrassing. Fortunately, there are many ways to replace a missing tooth. Talk to your dentist to learn more about which options may be appropriate for you. Options include a removable partial denture, a temporary denture, a bridge, or a dental implant.

A removable partial denture can be used to replace one or many missing teeth. A removable partial denture is worn during the day and removed at night for cleaning; to clean a removable partial denture, simply soak it in the recommended cleaning solution. Sometimes, a removable partial denture is held in place with metal clasps, which may be visible while speaking or smiling. Some removable partial dentures may shift while you are eating or speaking, which can lead to discomfort. A removable partial denture is an economical way to replace a missing tooth or a row of missing teeth, and no healthy teeth need to be filed or modified to accommodate a removable partial denture. A removable full denture can replace multiple missing teeth.

A temporary denture may be used as a short-term solution for a missing tooth. This temporary denture easily flips in and out of place and is used while a bridge or implant is being constructed, and as the site of the missing tooth heals. These temporary dentures are similar to removable partial dentures, though because they are intended to be temporary, they are less sturdy and less expensive than removable partial dentures.

If there are healthy teeth on either side of a missing tooth, a bridge may be an appropriate option. A dental bridge is fixed in the mouth with cement and is designed to be permanent. Your dentist will file and shape the teeth on either side of the missing tooth so that these teeth can accommodate dental crowns. The dental crowns are connected by a replacement tooth. The crowns are cemented onto the adjacent teeth that have been modified. Because there is a small, invisible space under the dental bridge, between the bottom of the replacement tooth and the gums, it is important to use floss threaders to keep this space clean and free of debris. There are drawbacks to dental bridges, which include the need to damage possibly healthy teeth in order to place crowns, as well as the possibility of breakage, especially in the lower jaw. A dental bridge can be a great solution if one or both of the adjacent teeth already needs a filling or a crown.

A dental implant is the optimal way to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants behave and look most like a natural tooth, allowing patients to chew, smile, and clean their teeth the same way they always would. Dental implants replace the root of the missing tooth, strengthening the jaw bone and providing a solid, stable platform for a dental crown. Once the dental implant has fully healed and fused into the jawbone, your dentist will cement a crown to the top of the dental implant. There is rarely any need to modify surrounding teeth when placing a dental implant. Dental implants can effectively be used to replace one tooth, a few teeth, or many teeth, and it is very difficult to tell a dental implant from a natural tooth, in both appearance and function.

Of course, if you lose a tooth, you could choose to do nothing. Though you may not be concerned with your appearance, be aware that a missing tooth can lead to larger dental concerns. Once a tooth has been removed, the bone where the root once was begins to deteriorate, which can cause the other teeth to shift in place. This may cause difficulty in cleaning the teeth, and it may lead to further bone loss or decay. With such a wide variety of solutions, it is likely there is one that will meet your needs, so contact your dentist if you’re missing a tooth and want to learn more about your replacement options.

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