A single missing tooth can have an impact on your smile and your confidence. There are many potential causes for missing teeth, including tooth decay, genetics, gum disease, trauma, and more. However, no matter what has caused your missing teeth, you need to consider replacement options to avoid issues with your oral health and ultimately your overall health in the future.
At Springhill Dental Health Center, Dr. Byron Scottoffers several options for replacing missing teeth. After all, even one missing tooth can affect your ability to speak clearly, chew food thoroughly, jawbone integrity, and cause remaining teeth to shift into empty spaces.
In this article, we’ll discuss the 5 tooth replacement options offered by Dr. Scott and the team.
Dental implants are one of the most popular options for tooth replacement. Implants are a permanent solution designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or can be used as support for a dental bridge or denture. When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime and the success rate is around 95%.
However, the process does take some time- at least several months for most patients and up to a year or more for others. This process starts with placing titanium screws into the jawbone, which acts as a tooth root. Once healed, an abutment (connector piece) will be placed to attach the crown to the implant.
Advantages of Dental Implants
One of the most effective tooth replacement options
Natural look, feel, and functionality
Remaining neighboring teeth are not impacted
Permanent solution, may last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance (oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits)
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
One of the most expensive tooth replacement solutions
Implant is inserted into the jawbone, which requires invasive oral surgery, long healing time, and potential for infection
2. Implant-Supported Bridge
For patients who are missing several teeth in a row, Dr. Scott often recommends an implant-supported bridge. This requires the placement of two dental implants- one on each side of the gap. A dental bridge is attached to the implants to replace the missing teeth in the gap.
Advantages of Implant-Supported Bridges
Budget-friendly option for replacing several missing teeth
Natural looking
Just as effective as replacing each tooth with a single implant
Disadvantages of Implant-Supported Bridges
Can only be used in patients missing several teeth in a row
Implants are permanent, but the bridge is not- you will need to replace the bridge after several years. However, you can increase the life expectancy of the bridge with proper care.
Requires several visits to the dentist for placement- and requires oral surgery for the implant placement
3. Traditional Bridge
A traditional bridge requires neighboring teeth for support instead of placing implants on each side of the gap. Neighboring teeth are filed down to make room for a crown to be placed. A bridge will be attached to the crowns to replace the missing teeth in the gap. This also takes several visits.
Advantages of Traditional Bridges
Similar look and feel of dental implants
Less invasive procedure since there is no surgery required
More budget-friendly than single dental implants or implant-supported bridges
Disadvantages of Traditional Bridges
Neighboring teeth must be filed down to accommodate a crown, increasing the risk of infection and decay in the future
If bridge isn’t fitted properly, risk of damage to adjoining teeth is increased
Food particles may get under the bridge and be hard to clean- which may increase your risk of infection and bone loss
4. Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partials are a simpler solution than dental implants for replacing missing teeth. This is an option for patients who still have some natural teeth but are missing too many to be replaced by a dental bridge. Removable partials are attached in place with metal or plastic clasps.
Advantages of Removable Partial Dentures
In many cases, additional teeth can be added if more teeth are lost in the future, saving time and money
One of the most budget-friendly options for tooth replacement
Easy to repair/replace if required
Procedure is simple, only requiring placement of the clasps onto neighboring teeth
Disadvantages of Removable Partial Dentures
Can be uncomfortable
Must be removed daily for cleaning and before sleeping
Metal clasps are often visible, making them less natural-looking than other options
5. Flipper Tooth
A flipper tooth is a temporary partial that can be flipped in and out of its position, which is how it gets its name. This tooth replacement solution does not require neighboring teeth for support.
Advantages of Flipper Tooth
Fairly cheap, painless option for replacing missing teeth
Much lighter than partial dentures
Provides a temporary solution until a more permanent one is available
Disadvantages of Flipper Tooth
Can be uncomfortable
Since it is temporary, the bulky design increases the risk of breakage
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are in or near Mobile, Alabama, and are interested in learning more about your tooth replacement options, schedule your appointment with Dr. Scott and the team at Springhill Dental Health Center today. We offer several different ones, each with advantages and disadvantages. During your consultation, Dr. Scott will explain your options and help you determine which one is best for you.
In many cases, dental insurance will cover a portion of tooth replacement solutions. Our wonderful office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage.
We are available Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are located on Springhill Avenue in Mobile, Alabama, and look forward to meeting you and helping you with your dental needs.
Our expert team is dedicated to helping you regain your smile and enjoy the benefits of a complete, healthy set of teeth. Trust us to deliver the care and precision needed for a successful dental implant experience, and take the first step toward revitalizing your oral health today.
Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth, combining functionality with aesthetics to restore your smile. At Alabama Dentist, we utilize advanced techniques to ensure implants integrate seamlessly with your jawbone, providing a stable and secure foundation for replacement teeth. Designed to look and feel like natural teeth, implants allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. With proper care, they can last a lifetime, making them a durable and effective choice for improving oral health. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants provide a reliable way to enhance your quality of life.
What our Patients say about us
Testimonials
My visit was incredible. I had my “All on Four” appliances cleaned, and it was a painless and thorough experience. Dr. Scott and all his staff are very friendly. During the cleaning, Mary was gentle and let me know everything she was doing and how it would feel. She gave me tips on how to clean my implants/appliances better and gave me a small brush to do the underside more effectively. Dr. Scott and Mary suggest cleanings take place every 3 months so I will be back in December.
Dr. Byron Scott is a highly-trained and accomplished dentist. He attended The University of Alabama School of Dentistry and subsequently completed numerous Advanced Studies and Trainings. Dr. Scott is Board-Certified by The Academy of General Dentistry and has earned Mastership status (MAGD), an honor shared by only 1% of dentists. He has numerous memberships and associations, including Diplomate status with The American Board of Oral Implantology (D-ABOI) and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (D-ICOI). Overall, Dr. Scott has dedicated his life and career to helping patients improve their oral health through expert dentistry. His goal is to help each patient keep their smile healthy, attractive, and comfortable for the duration of their lifetime.