Best Options To Replace A Missing Tooth

Our Los Angeles periodontists are experts when it comes to replacing your missing teeth. If you have a single missing tooth or several missing teeth, you might have more options than you realized. Tooth loss can be caused by a variety of concerns such as gum disease, traumatic injuries, infections, etc. But replacing your natural tooth in a timely manner can limit the impact that tooth loss has on your natural teeth and facial profile. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss the best and most proven tooth replacement options you have to choose from (even if you’re not planning on getting dental implants.)

Upper dental implants

Full arch upper dental implants

Dental Implants

If you have missing teeth, the best solution is almost always replacing them with either a single, multiple, or full arch dental implant. Unlike a full or partial denture, dental implants are not removable. Instead, they closely mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. And unlike more conventional tooth replacement options, dental implants have the potential to last for your entire life. 

Dental implants integrate with natural bone, making them ideal for tooth replacement. As long as you care for them properly each day (brushing and flossing them like natural teeth), you can expect each of your dental implants to stay securely in place. This is because the implant itself mimics a natural tooth root. On top, the implant abutment supports a replacement “tooth” such as a dental crown, bridge, or denture. 

Our Los Angeles dental implants are made from titanium or zirconia, as it’s a biocompatible material used for multiple types of prostheses, including artificial joints. It’s hypoallergenic and readily accepted by your body. Plus, it’s non-invasive to adjacent teeth. Implants set alongside other healthy teeth in your mouth, allowing you to preserve your remaining teeth for longer periods of time. 

Bridges (Traditional or Implant-Supported Bridge)

A traditional dental bridge is set on a pair of natural teeth, with one at either end. They work best for replacing 1-2 teeth at a time. However, if you have a few teeth that need to be replaced, an implant-supported dental bridge is probably best.

These restorations rebuild and fill in areas of multiple missing teeth so that a removable partial denture isn’t required. But any bridge will always require at least healthy adjacent teeth or pair of implants. It’s not possible for an implant supported bridge to use an implant on one side and existing teeth on the other. 

Implant Supported Dentures

You’re probably familiar with traditional tooth replacement options like dentures and partials. But implant-supported dentures can be permanent or use a snap-on overdenture that is attached and supported by implants. 

Unlike a regular denture, implant supported versions attach to implants, which provide better support and comfort throughout the day. Implant supported dentures come in various designs, but all of them offer full mouth tooth replacement. As few as 4-6 dental implants are usually needed per arch (you don’t need an implant for each missing tooth.) Since dental implants are so strong, they can support the weight of several missing teeth without installing one at each missing tooth location. They’re one of the best tooth replacement options for people who do not want traditional removable full or partial dentures. 

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are a removable tooth replacement option that snaps into place alongside your natural, surrounding teeth. They allow you to replace missing teeth without any additional tooth extraction procedures. In addition, partial dentures are affordable, faster than getting implant supported prosthetics, and a predictable tooth replacement regardless of how many existing teeth you still have.

Most partial dentures are made from acrylic or a metal base. The clasps help anchor partial dentures onto adjacent teeth (filling in the missing teeth) while blending in with your smile. No dental implants are required. On top of your partial, there is a custom missing tooth at each area where one is missing. Removable partial dentures may be your choice prosthesis, or it could be a temporary partial denture that you wear while you wait for oral surgery. You might even wear a partial after implant surgery while your prosthetic tooth integrates with the bone underneath. Just keep in mind that partials tend to rub and irritate the natural teeth that help support them.

Dentures

If you need to replace all of your teeth at one time, a full denture or “plate” is a fast and economical solution. Removable dentures work well for people who do not qualify for dental implants or prefer not to wear an implant supported denture. However, in some cases, an implant dentist can retrofit your denture to provide a tooth replacement option that snaps onto implants for added support. Always be sure to rule out this surgical procedure with your trusted dental provider ahead of time.

If you lost your teeth because of gum disease or traumatic injury, dentures could provide an interim solution as you wait for oral surgery to get implant restorations. Or they can allow 5-10 years of use until you update them with another prosthesis. 

Do Nothing

No plans on replacing missing teeth anytime soon? Jawbone density tends to diminish after tooth loss because of a lack of stimulation. Doing nothing is always an option, but the choice can permanently affect your tooth alignment and facial profile.

While it’s not always possible to replace missing teeth immediately after losing them, it is important to figure out a permanent way to replace them as quickly as possible. For instance, if you know you have dental extractions coming up, you may want to plan on getting removable partial dentures to help maintain natural tooth placement so that the rest of your smile doesn’t drift out of alignment. Not doing anything at all could make it more difficult to replace your missing teeth in the future. 

What is the best way to replace a missing tooth?

If you have a missing tooth, your best option is usually to get a dental implant. A fixed bridge is typically the next best tooth replacement. Besides those, a full or removable partial denture typically works best. 

Request a consultation at the Center for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy in Los Angeles today for a one-on-one consultation.

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