You Always Have Options for Replacing a Lost Tooth

If you have recently lost a tooth or have been missing one for a long time and are just tired of how its ruining your smile you’ve got several options. The thing you don’t want to do is nothing. Replacing a lost tooth is vital for maintaining the maximum function, maintaining the alignment of the surrounding teeth, and keeping your facial contours from altering.

The teeth are important placeholders for each other and over time a missing tooth can allow the adjacent teeth to begin to drift to fill the space causing you more problematic issues in the future. Today we are going to discuss some of the more common options you have for a missing tooth and what factors are the most important in deciding which one will be right for you.

Dental Implant

Undoubtedly the gold standard for any tooth replacement is a dental implant. A dental implant is a permanent synthetic dental root made out of titanium in which a crown is attached. The implant does require a healthy jawbone for implantation which can be problematic for some individuals but with bone grafts, the population that can successfully undergo a dental implant procedure is quite large.

PROS: 

• Aesthetic, functional, reliable  
• Stimulates the jaw bone to remodel and rebuild  
• Does not compromise the integrity of adjacent teeth  
• Decreased risk of periodontal (gum) disease compared with a bridge 

CONS:

• More expensive than a bridge (but more durable so it could be more cost-effective long term)  
• Requires minor surgery and healing time before placement of a permanent crown 

Fixed Partial Denture

A fixed partial denture was the standard approach before implants became commonplace. A fixed partial denture is where the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth are crowned and the crowns support a false tooth or “pontic” which fits in the missing space in your smile.

PROS: 

• Provides normal function and aesthetics  
• Less wait time than with implants  
• Less expensive than implants 

CONS: 

• Damage to abutting teeth (must be shaped to accommodate the crown)  
• Greater susceptibility to tooth decay  
• Jawbone beneath the pontic may deteriorate over time 

Removable Partial Denture

A Removable Partial Denture is an artificial tooth anchored into plastic. It is attached to a metal clasp that hooks onto your adjacent natural teeth.

PROS: 

• Aesthetic, functional  
• Least expensive option 

CONS: 

• Greater susceptibility for gum disease and tooth decay  
• Usually results in teeth becoming loose  
• May have stability and comfort issues  
• May not fit right over time due to changes in the jawbone  
• Jawbone underneath may deteriorate over time 

Call Eldridge Dental Today to schedule your appointment!