Replacing a Single Tooth with Implants or a Dental Bridge

Replacing a single missing tooth can be most authentically accomplished with a single dental implant. The post of the implant mimics the root of your tooth while the dental crown looks and functions just like your natural tooth, requiring no additional maintenance.

A dental bridge is an alternative to implants that provides a permanent solution. A dental bridge is comprised of three crown units. The middle crown unit spans the space of the missing tooth while the two end units are used to anchor the bridge by bonding them to your natural teeth. The dental bridge offers a stable foundation but will require that the two natural teeth adjacent to the space be ground down to accommodate the crowns.

A partial denture may also be used to replace one tooth. A removable denture has an artificial tooth attached to a plastic base. It is held in place with metal clasps. Patients are rarely satisfied with this method due to the fact that it is removable and does not look as natural as the other methods.

Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth

Individual dental implants may be used as the ideal method for replacing multiple teeth, with a single dental implant placed at the site of each of your missing teeth.

A dental bridge may also be utilized to replace multiple missing teeth. Just as a three unit bridge can replace a single tooth when anchored by crowns, a three unit bridge could also be used to replace multiple missing teeth. Instead of fitting your natural teeth with crowns, dental implants could be strategically placed to anchor the dental bridge.