4 Typical Options to Replace a Missing Tooth

It is not uncommon to lose a tooth. Often it occurs as a result of an accident or injury of some kind. Other times a tooth that has become loose because of poor dental hygiene. Regardless of the reason for a tooth to go missing, there are several ways to replace it.

Four Tooth Replacement Options

There are a number of typical replacement options for a missing tooth. They include partial dentures, a dental bridge or implants. A less common choice, but still effective as a temporary replacement, comes in the form of do-it-yourself fake teeth. Here is a closer look at each option:

1. Partial Dentures

A partial denture is what is commonly referred to as uppers or lowers. In other words, a denture used to replace a few teeth in the top row of your mouth would be uppers with the bottom row replacements being the lowers. These removable plates are made of a durable material, and if well cared for, are long-lasting.

As they are removable, in order to hold dentures in place you will need to use powders or pastes designed specifically for this purpose. Cleaning of partial dentures is a task that has to be undertaken regularly, but which is different from brushing natural teeth. However, these dentures look real and are effective in replacing missing teeth.

2. Dental Bridge

A dental bridge involves much more work than dentures in that an impression is taken of the location of the missing tooth. A bridge made from porcelain and gold contains the replacement tooth and is attached to adjoining teeth by fitting over the top of them and cemented in place.

This is not a removable option and is more costly than dentures. However, the results are excellent in that the replacement teeth look natural and will feel and act like natural teeth. A bridge can only be used to fill a gap left by a missing tooth and not a row of teeth.

3. Implants

A dental implant involves the placement of a tiny titanium rod into the jawbone. The procedure takes time as the jawbone must heal first before a tooth can be attached to the titanium rod. This is a permanent option where a bridge or partial dentures cannot properly replace teeth.

This is the most expensive tooth replacement option and it involves minor oral surgery to properly complete. Implants are very natural looking and act in preserving surrounding teeth. They are easy to keep clean with regular brushing and feel as normal as natural teeth.

4. Do-It-Yourself

The least expensive option is to use various homemade teeth that can be considered do-it-yourself. These include realistic fake teeth replacements that can be found on drugstore shelves, to teeth you can make at home from craft supplies. Each of these options is only meant to be a temporary solution until you can see your dentist for more permanent options.

Probably the quickest method to make a short-term replacement is with $5 worth of dental wax that you can shape into a tooth in about 30-minutes. The do-it-yourself type of missing tooth options will hold you until you can schedule a visit to a dentist for a proper repair.

For more information on making your own false teeth, click here.

Find The Right Fix For You

There is no doubt that the cost of replacing a missing tooth is hard to swallow for many. There are several options available to choose from depending on how many teeth you need to replace, the condition of surrounding teeth and gums, and your budget. The thing to keep in mind is that if one is not replaced, you risk developing further complications with the rest of your teeth.

In addition to affecting your smile, how you feel about your appearance and general self-confidence, a missing tooth can create other problems. Difficulty speaking and eating and the risk of losing additional teeth are all factors that make replacing a missing tooth an important step to take.