Tooth loss is common, and many people will have one or more teeth that fail. If you find yourself in this situation, your dentist will want to talk to you about how best to replace the missing tooth. It is important to have this discussion as soon as possible, and especially if the tooth will need removing quite soon. Most people will dislike the thought of having an unsightly gap in their mouths. Often the dentist can plan for tooth removal and its replacement soon after, either with a temporary or permanent solution, leaving you facing little or no time without your tooth.
The Options for Replacing a Tooth
While it is possible to replace a tooth with a removable option such as a denture, most people will prefer the thought of a non-removable device. Sometimes a dentist might suggest a temporary denture such as when replacing a single tooth.
A one-tooth denture is called a flipper and can be useful while the empty socket is healing and is used until a more permanent solution can be placed. Usually, a far more likely solution is to have a fixed bridge.
Choosing a Fixed Bridge
These teeth must be substantially cut down so they can be crowned. A dental crown caps or entirely covers the tooth right down to the gum line, and these supporting crowns are attached to a replacement tooth called a pontic.
It’s been found that dental bridges have a success rate of just 67% when they are 15 years old. It’s also important to think about the stress that a dental bridge places on these abutment teeth, as they must share the load created by the bridge, and the stress may cause weaker teeth to fail eventually.
When it comes to replacing the bridge, it’s necessary to replace a three-unit or three-tooth structure so that the economic cost can be higher compared with a dental implant.
Choosing a Dental Implant
A more modern solution is to consider a dental implant. Even so, dental implants have been around for several decades now, so they are a tried and tested option for tooth loss. They have been extensively studied and researched, and the materials and techniques used to plan and place dental implants are continually improving.
Now, it’s most likely that a dental implant dentist will use high-tech equipment like a cone beam CT scanner to plan dental implant treatment digitally. The actual surgical technique used to place the dental implants is most likely computer-guided. So, what is a dental implant?
What Makes a Dental Implant Special?
Unlike a fixed bridge that needs the adjacent teeth for support, a dental implant is self-supporting. It’s designed to replace a tooth root artificially with a small titanium or zirconia post.
The post is surgically inserted into the jawbone and is highly biocompatible, meaning it quickly bonds with the surrounding bone and once fused in place is strong enough to support the replacement tooth in the form of a dental crown. Because your gum tissue surrounds the dental crown, it emerges from the gum just like a real tooth and looks amazingly natural.
In comparison, the replacement tooth used in a dental bridge merely rests on the gums, and while it looks great, the overall effect isn’t quite so realistic.
One major problem with tooth loss is the way it affects your jawbone. When the real tooth root is removed, the bone that used to surround it no longer continues to remodel, ensuring that old bone cells are replaced as they die off. Instead, this bone is gradually resorbed, meaning you lose some of your jawbone. Eventually, this bone loss can affect the stability of nearby teeth.
In people who have lost several teeth or who are entirely edentulous, the effect is far greater. As they lose jawbone, it changes their overall facial dimensions. Cheeks and lips that were formerly supported by the jawbone and by their teeth begin to sink inward. The distance between the upper and lower jaws diminishes, and it can appear if facial features are collapsing on themselves.
Because the implant replaces a real tooth root, it acts similarly, protecting your oral health. The jawbone around the implant post continues to remodel, and old bone cells are replaced as they die off. Dental implants protect the integrity of your jawbone, ensuring your facial features maintain the correct dimensions. The implant teeth are designed to provide the proper support for your cheeks and lips, ensuring you look just as good as before.
Implant teeth are strong and stable and function just like real teeth. People who may have been suffering from failing, painful teeth will often find their overall nutrition improves because their diet becomes more varied. Having teeth that are comfortable for biting and chewing food makes it easier to eat nutritious foods. When you have a good diet, it protects your overall health. Most importantly, dental implants can restore your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Does this mean that dental implants are a better choice than a dental bridge? For many people, they might be, but some people may find a dental bridge is a preferable solution. When you see your dental implant dentist make sure they discuss each option with you carefully. Understanding how a dental implant or a dental bridge could benefit you will allow you to make the best choice for your oral health.
If you’re weighing whether a fixed dental bridge or a dental implant is right for you, you’re not alone—this choice depends on your unique oral health, budget considerations, and long-term expectations. At LuxDen Dental Center, we believe in empowering our patients with clear, personalized guidance. Our experienced team will walk you through each option, explaining the benefits, potential drawbacks, and what to expect from either treatment path.
Call LuxDen Dental Center at (718) 717‑8866 to arrange a consultation, and let us help you make the informed decision that keeps your smile healthy, functional, and beautiful—for years to come.
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