What is the Best Way to Replace a Missing Front Tooth?

A simple guide to restore a missing front tooth:

Losing a front tooth can be a seriously traumatic event! Luckily, there are ways to make your smile whole again. Every smile is different–there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Here is an easy guide to understanding what options are best for you!

 

Dental Implants

An implant is simply a tooth root replacement for a missing front tooth. An implant is placed where your tooth root once was, and a ceramic tooth is made to fit the implant. Implants have a high success rate and can offer an incredibly natural appearance. They are the best choice for people who want an easy to care for and natural looking tooth.

 

How it works:

A titanium implant is surgically placed where your tooth root used to be. While your mouth heals, you wear a temporary front tooth so that you will always be able to smile. Once the healing period is over, your dentist will make you a permanent crown to place on your implant.

 

Pro’s

• Natural appearance
• Doesn’t anchor to other teeth
• Easy to floss
• Lasts for many years
• Preserves the bone

 

Cons

• Requires surgery

• Requires enough bone
• High cost
• Treatment length (Multiple steps)

 

 

 

Fixed Bridge

A dental bridge does just what it sounds like–bridges the space left by a missing tooth. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are used to anchor the replacement tooth. The result is a replacement tooth that is connected to a crown on either side of the space. This is an excellent option for people who already have fillings or crowns on their front teeth or who don’t have enough bone for an implant.

 

How it Works:

Your dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the missing front tooth for the bridge. You will be in a temporary for a short time while the bridge is being made. On your second appointment, the bridge is inserted and permanently cemented.

 

Pro’s

• No surgery required
• Permanently cemented (doesn’t come in and out)
• Can offer a beautiful result
• Short term treatment period (about 2 weeks)

 

Cons

• Must permanently alter adjacent teeth
• Cleaning can be a challenge
• High cost
• Bone loss where tooth is missing may affect appearance over time
• Not always a good choice if smile shows a lot of tooth

 

 

Removable Bridge (Partial Denture)

Missing front teeth can also be replaced with a removable partial denture. Your other teeth are minimally prepared and an impression is taken. This replacement comes in and out and is not permanently cemented.

 

How it Works

Your dentist will take a series of impressions and make you a removable tooth replacement that anchors onto your other teeth.

 

Pro’s

• Lower Cost
• Can replace many teeth
• Requires no surgery
• Other teeth often not affected

 

Cons

• Not permanently cemented
• Can move during eating
• Treatment time (Multiple steps)
• Does not preserve bone

 

Now that you have an idea of what’s available, your dentist can go over the many considerations that will help you make the best decision for your smile! Don’t let a missing front tooth slow you down any longer.

 

 

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