Thankfully, there are several options for replacement of a missing tooth these days, but what works best for you will depend on many factors.
We would always recommend a dedicated consultation with one of our dentists to discuss your individual treatment options, but until then this handy guide will go through the basics to give you a clearer idea of what each treatment involves.
Missing Space Options
Generally speaking, there are 3 main options when it comes to replacing a missing tooth:
Denture
Bridge
Implant
While each of these treatments can be used to restore the space left following tooth removal, they work in different ways- and sometimes not all three are a viable option, depending on your desired result and existing dentition.
Denture
- A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth, designed to mimic the look of your natural teeth and gums.
- They can be made to replace one, some, or all of the teeth (partial or full denture), and are made from durable material such as plastic (acrylic) or metal (cobalt-chrome).
- As dentures are custom-made for each patient in a dental lab, several appointments with a few weeks in between each stage are required to ensure that the final result is functional, comfortable, and fits in nicely with your natural teeth.
- Dentures can vary greatly in cost, so a consultation is always best to get an accurate quotation.
Pro: Generally the more affordable option for a tooth replacement.
Con: Not fixed in place; can take time to get used to speaking and eating with them.
Bridge
- A dental bridge is usually used to replace one or several teeth beside or near each other.
- Unlike a denture, a dental bridge is fixed in place- usually to the natural teeth either side of it.
- They are sometimes only attached on one side, or are attached to an implant crown, depending on the type of bridge used.
- Creating a bridge generally involves at least two appointments with a few weeks in between while the bridge is custom-made in a premium dental laboratory.
Pro: Fixed in place, providing a functional and stable replacement option.
Con: Viability can depend on the health and structure of the other teeth, & some preparation/removal of adjacent tooth structure is necessary.
If you wish to learn more about this treatment, you can read our more detailed blog all about dental bridgework.
Implant
- A dental implant is the closest substitute to a natural tooth in terms of feel and function.
- An implant consists of a titanium screw is placed into the jawbone, and a porcelain crown is then placed on top.
- It is a fixed replacement option, normally used to replace one tooth but in some cases can be used to replace several teeth at once (such as an implant-retained bridge, or implant-retained dentures).
Pro: Feels, functions, and looks just like a natural tooth.
Con: Not always a viable option depending on a patient’s gum health, bone levels, or medical history.
If you wish to learn more about this treatment, you can read our more detailed blog all about dental implants.
If you would like to chat through your options to replace a missing tooth, we would love to hear from you!
Call us on 091 757 678 or email info@renmoredental.ie and our patient care team will organise a consultation for you as soon as possible.
