Options for replacing missing teeth

Even one missing tooth can cause changes over time:

• Chewing and speaking. A gap can make some foods harder to eat and some words harder to say.
• Shifting teeth. Neighboring teeth can drift or tip into the space, and the tooth above or below can move too.
• Bone loss. The jawbone under a missing tooth gradually shrinks.
• Confidence. Many people feel more comfortable smiling and talking once the gap is filled.

An implant replaces a tooth from the root up. A small post is placed in the jawbone, and a crown is attached on top once it has healed. It is the option that looks, feels, and works most like a natural tooth. It does not rely on the teeth next to it, and it helps keep the jawbone healthy.

Implants need healthy gums and enough bone, and treatment happens in stages with healing time in between. Learn more about dental implants.

A bridge fills a gap with a replacement tooth anchored to crowns on the teeth on either side. It is fixed in place, and it usually takes fewer steps than an implant.

The tradeoff is that the neighboring teeth are reshaped to hold the crowns. A bridge can also be supported by implants instead of natural teeth.

A denture is a removable set of replacement teeth. A full denture replaces every tooth in an arch, and a partial denture fills gaps between natural teeth. Dentures involve no surgery and can be made in fewer steps.

Because they rest on the gums, dentures can shift and may need adjusting as your mouth changes over time.

If you are missing most or all of your teeth in an arch, All-on-4 replaces the whole arch with a fixed set of teeth supported by four implants. The teeth stay in place, so they do not need to come out at night like a traditional denture.

The right option depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your gums and bone, and what matters most to you. Dr. Balani will examine your mouth, use imaging in our office, and walk you through each option. See insurance and payment for details.