Replacing a Single Tooth: What are my options?

Posted on 3/16/2012 by Dr. Franco

Many people take great pride in their smile, and smiling can often make us – and those around us – feel better, by helping to alleviate the symptomatic effects of stress and to create an air of happiness around ourselves.

But the gap left behind by a tooth extraction is undeniably unsightly and can ruin any good feeling we once had towards our smile. If you are about to lose, or have recently lost a tooth, then you might justifiably have some concerns over how you can recreate your smile.

However, with the continued advancement of dental technologies there are several options available that can help restore a winning smile, from good old fashioned dentures to the more modern method of dental implants. So, what are your options for replacing a single tooth?

Typically, there are three options available.

•	A dental bridge Which involves the creation of a bridge across the gap left by a missing tooth. An implant dentist takes an impression of the affected area and a bridge fitting, known as a crown, is made to fit supporting teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth in between.
•	Dentures This involves the creation of a removable plastic plate that has been molded to fit the affected area. However, some dentures can become ill-fitting in time, and can cause slight discomfort later.
•	Dental Implants Often the preferred solution for replacing a single tooth, this involves placing an artificial root into your jaw. A false tooth is then placed over the root in order to fill the gap. Dental implants offer many advantages over alternative solutions, and the end result yields a much more natural appearance than those achieved through a bridge or denture procedure.

Of course, you may be tempted just to soldier on regardless and learn to love the gap in your smile; but be warned that gaps in your teeth can lead to further problems down the line, such as teeth shifting which can in turn lead to biting and chewing problems. This can cause further discomfort as the remaining teeth come under increased stress.

Before choosing a method for reconstructing your smile that may not altogether be suitable, it’s always a wise idea to seek advice from an implant dentist, who can advise you on the merits and flaws of each of the methods available to ensure that whichever method you choose will be the right one for you and your smile.

To learn more about your options and to schedule a consultation, please contact our Irving TX office.

Click an icon below to share our blog.

Back to Blog Home