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Blog: Single Tooth Replacement – 3 Options for Restoring Your Smile

Are you in need of single tooth replacement? Whether the gap in your grin is due to an

injury, advanced gum disease, severe decay or some other issue, an experienced

restorative dentist in Solana Beach, California, can provide you with an effective

solution.

With tooth replacement, aesthetics is a major consideration – but so is functionality.

Missing teeth can create a misaligned or imbalanced bite, as the teeth on both sides of

the empty space begin to shift out of position. Misalignment can lead to other dental

concerns, like trouble chewing, increased wear on the enamel and even jaw joint pain.

Clearly, getting a replacement tooth is in your best interests. A restorative dentist can

explain the options for restoring your smile, but reading about the different methods of

tooth replacement may prove helpful.

Dental Implant Placement

A dental implant completely replaces a missing tooth, replicating the entire structure,

including the root and the crown. Each implant has three components:

  • A titanium post that is anchored in the jawbone to serve as a replacement tooth

root

  • A dental prosthetic, or the custom porcelain crown used to fill the space in the

smile

  •  An abutment, or small piece that securely connects the implant post to the dental

crown

Dental implants are widely considered to be the gold standard in restorative dentistry,

as they offer a number of advantages. Go with this method of single tooth replacement,

and you’ll have an artificial tooth that is virtually identical to your natural teeth in look, fit

and function. Plus, a dental implant:

  • Stimulates growth in the jawbone keeping it strong by replacing the root structure
  • Restores the smile without compromising the integrity of any of your other teeth
  • Doesn’t need special care – just brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups

Are there any downsides to dental implant placement? Some patients do need to get a

bone graft to strengthen the jaw, and when a tooth has been missing for quite some

time, getting an implant can be a drawn-out process. Also, compared to other single

tooth replacement options, the initial cost of a dental implant is higher – but unlike the

alternatives, implant placement offers a permanent solution. Take a different approach,

and you can expect more dental bills, as you’ll likely need to adjust or replace your new

artificial tooth before too long.

Fixed Dental Bridge

A fixed dental bridge, which uses the teeth adjacent to the gap as support for a

replacement tooth, is the choice of some patients. The benefits include:

  • Getting a fully functional smile without the need for dental surgery
  • Having your smile restoration complete within a short period of time
  • Spending less of your hard-earned money on tooth replacement

Despite these potential plusses, an experienced restorative dentist in Solana Beach

isn’t likely to recommend a fixed dental bridge. This route to tooth replacement requires

extensive drilling of the teeth on both sides of the gap, and that leaves them at greater

risk of decay. And if those teeth are lacking in strength, a fixed bridge can collapse.

What’s more, the root of the missing tooth isn’t replaced with a fixed bridge, so jawbone

deterioration may become a concern. Dental bridges aren’t permanent, either – the

lifespan isn’t usually over ten years, even for patients with good oral hygiene habits. So

while this approach to tooth replacement is initially less expensive than getting a dental

implant, it may not be as cost-effective in the long run.

Removable Partial Denture

Dentists offer two types of removable partial dentures – a flipper, which is really just a

cosmetic solution, and a traditional denture. The advantages of the latter option include:

  • Fully restoring the appearance of the smile while improving oral function
  • Getting a gap-free grin without spending much time in the dentist’s chair
  • Replacing your missing tooth without making a large monetary investment

Although removable partial dentures do have a few potential benefits, restorative

dentists don’t hold this single tooth replacement option in high regard. A traditional

partial does nothing to prevent bone loss in the jaw. And unlike a dental implant or fixed

bridge, a denture does require special care – it must be removed for cleaning.

Most Solana Beach patients aren’t fans of that last requirement, as cleaning a partial

denture every night is an extra chore. Beyond that, though, many people have problems

adjusting to partials, as they can feel quite different from the natural teeth. Also, as with

a fixed dental bridge, this method of tooth replacement doesn’t provide a permanent

solution. In most cases, partial dentures need to be replaced within five to ten years.

What’s the Right Tooth Replacement Option for You?

As we mentioned, restorative dentists tend to think of dental implant placement as the

best solution for missing teeth. However, no approach to single tooth replacement is

ideal for everyone.

If you’re ready to fill the gap in your grin and you live in or around Solana Beach,

California, schedule a consultation with the professional team at Solana Smiles &

Implant Center. Our highly skilled and experienced dentists can help you decide on the

right course of action – and as the go-to local source for cosmetic and restorative

dentistry, you can trust our team with your smile. Contact our office and make an

appointment to discuss single tooth replacement today!