Your Options for Replacing Missing Teeth If you lose a tooth, it is almost always best to have it replaced. Missing teeth can cause your bite to become uneven, and can affect your ability to speak and chew. Missing teeth also increase the burden on your remaining teeth and in some cases can cause pain in your jaw and face as the jaw muscles try to compensate for the lost chewing support. The space left by a missing tooth allows nearby teeth to drift or tip into an improper position. And of course losing a tooth can effect your appearance. The good news is that most of the time replacing a missing tooth is not an emergency. You have time to consider what replacement option is best for you and to make an informed decision. If you are replacing one or several teeth, a number of treatment options are available. A removable partial denture rests on the remaining teeth and gums and is taken out for cleaning. There are two types. A "flipper" is a provisional or temporary removable plastic tooth that’s inexpensive but not very durable. It looks like an orthodontic retainer with a tooth attached. A cast partial denture is also removable but is precision cast in metal for longer service life. Wire clips that rest on the remaining teeth help hold it in place. A "flipper" partial denture. A cast partial denture. A fixed bridge is cemented into place using crowns or "caps" on the teeth adjacent to the open space for support. For the crowns to be placed, the teeth involved must be tapered by removing or reducing the outer layer of the tooth. Since crowned teeth must support the chewing force of the missing tooth or teeth, fixed bridgework can not be used unless sturdy teeth exist on both sides of the empty space. Complete dentures are the traditional treatment for people who have lost all their teeth in one or both jaws. Dentures rest on the gums and are held in place by a suction effect of the denture against the moist gums. The success of complete dentures depends upon the individual’s jaw size and shape, how long the teeth have been missing, and the patient’s adaptability. Some people adapt well to dentures. while others really struggle to chew comfortably, particularly with a lower denture. Lower complete denture. Dental implants can be used to provide support for the replacement of one tooth or all teeth. The advantages over both removable dentures and fixed bridges are significant. Instead of resting on the gums or being suspended from adjacent teeth, the implanted root actually replaces the lost root, providing a sturdy anchor in the bone for a replacement tooth. With their long-term success, natural appearance, and mechanical and biological advantages, dental implants have become the treatment of choice for most situations involving missing teeth. Dental implants are an attractive, stable, and comfortable option for virtually all patients. The natural appearance of dental implant tooth replacement. If you’re considering restoring missing teeth, we’ll review your dental and medical history and examine your mouth thoroughly. Special Xrays of your jaws will be taken to evaluate your jawbone and determine if it will accommodate implants. This information will help us know if dental implants are appropriate for you and allow us to discuss your options thoroughly. Regardless of the treatment we feel is best for you, we want you to comfortably chew your favorite foods and to have the confidence you need for an active social and professional life.