Tooth Replacement: What To Do About Tooth Loss

Discover the most effective tooth replacement options available at Midtown Dental Group.

By the Midtown Dental Group Team

Illustration of a row of teeth with a missing tooth replaced by a question mark, symbolizing the decision-making process for tooth replacement options

Tooth loss affects more than just how you look. It can harm your oral health, confidence, and daily activities like eating and speaking. At Midtown Dental Group, we understand the importance of tooth replacement and how it can transform both your smile and your overall well-being.

But don’t worry. If you are missing one tooth or more, there are many options to replace them. These choices can help you get back your smile and function.

We offer a range of teeth replacement options tailored to your needs and budget. From dental implants to bridges and dentures, our expert team will help you navigate these solutions to find the best fit for you.

In this guide, we will explore these options and their benefits. We will also answer common questions, like how much a tooth replacement costs and more. This way, you can make an informed decision you feel comfortable with.

Why Tooth Replacement Is Essential for Oral Health

Replacing missing teeth is critical to maintaining both your oral health and your self-esteem. Beyond aesthetics, tooth replacement can prevent issues like further bone loss, teeth misalignment, and difficulties with chewing and speaking. Here’s how missing tooth replacement can help:

Prevent Bone Loss: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone can begin to break down due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants, a permanent tooth replacement option, act as artificial tooth roots to replace the tooth and maintain the bone, often preventing further bone loss.
Maintain Teeth Alignment: Gaps caused by missing teeth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to bite misalignment and difficulty cleaning around teeth that have shifted. Replacing teeth keeps everything in proper alignment and reduces the risk of cavities and gum recession.
Restore Functionality: Whether through implants, bridges, or dentures, replacing teeth restores your ability to chew, speak clearly, and smile confidently.

Exploring Tooth Replacement Options

There are several teeth replacement options available, each offering different advantages depending on your needs, preferences, and budget. Here are the most common replacement teeth options we provide:

Dental Implants: A Permanent Tooth Replacement Option

3D illustration showing a dental implant screw being placed into the jawbone as part of a tooth replacement procedure, with a crown positioned on top to mimic a natural tooth.

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. They are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, offering durability and a high success rate. The implant osseointegrates (forms connections) with the jawbone over time, providing long-term stability.

The process involves a surgical procedure to place the implant (a titanium or zirconia screw) into the bone. Many patients experience minimal discomfort after the procedure, taking over the counter pain medications for a few days to manage post-operative symptoms.

More complex cases may require bone grafting if the bone supporting the implant isn’t wide, thick, tall, or strong enough to support the implant or sinus augmentation procedures. Sometimes orthodontics are necessary to move adjacent teeth that have shifted over time for ideal implant placement.

Dental implants have become more affordable over time as many insurance companies are starting to offer partial coverage for implants. Implants offer unparalleled functionality and aesthetic benefits.

Implants cannot get cavities, but they do need maintenance over time, just like any other tooth. It is important to maintain excellent hygiene and regular dental visits to monitor the health of your dental implants, gum, and supporting tissue and bone.

Dental Bridges

Bridges are a practical alternative for replacing one or more missing teeth. They anchor to adjacent teeth, so preparation of the adjacent teeth to the space is required to support the bridge. Bridges are often similar in cost to implants a offer an excellent esthetic and functional outcome. In some cases, a bridge may be a better solution than an implant and in others an implant may be indicated. Ask your doctor which restorative option is best for you. Bridges statistically last 7-10 years, but with excellent hygiene and care, may last longer.

Dentures: An Affordable Tooth Replacement Option

removable denture in the hands of a doctor in blue gloves

Dentures are one of the most affordable methods of tooth replacement. Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth, while partial dentures fill in gaps left by individual teeth. They are removable and can be secured with adhesives or clasps. While they offer a budget-friendly option, dentures can sometimes feel less stable than other solutions and changes in the bone remodeling over time may result in poor fitting dentures over time. One option is to place implants to help secure the denture into place like a “button” snap.

Tooth Replacement Costs: What to Expect

The cost of tooth replacement varies widely depending on the method you choose and your unique situation. Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for implants, bridges, and dentures.

At Midtown Dental Group, we believe everyone should have access to quality dental care, including tooth replacement, regardless of financial constraints. We work with a wide range of insurance providers to help maximize your benefits and reduce out-of-pocket costs.

For procedures not always fully covered—or those without dental insurance, we offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit, allowing you to manage payments over time. Our team will guide you through the insurance and financing process to ensure you get the care you need without financial stress.

We invite you to learn more about your financial options by visiting our Finances and Insurance page. There, you can explore details about insurance coverage, payment plans, and how we make quality care accessible for all patients.

How to Choose the Best Tooth Replacement Option for You

Selecting the right tooth replacement option depends on several factors, including your budget, oral health, and long-term goals. Consider the following when making your decision:

Budget: Evaluate how much you’re willing to invest and consider factors like insurance coverage. For instance, dental implants are a higher investment but offer a more permanent solution (many implant options are “fixed” within your mouth like natural teeth),, whereas dentures are more affordable but may need periodic adjustments or replacement as your body changes over time.
Longevity: If you want a long-term solution, dental implants and bridges are more durable, whereas dentures typically need replacement every 5-7 years. All processes do best with excellent hygiene and regular dental visits to monitor the health of the teeth, gum and bones and maintenance over time.
Aesthetic Needs: You can obtain a highly esthetic result with any of the treatment options – implants, bridges, and dentures can look highly esthetic if you work with a lab that is able to deliver high end results that look like your natural teeth. While full dentures can look quite esthetic and beautiful, there are some limitations to tooth position and matching with partial dentures.
Oral Health: Healthy gums and supporting bone are essential for dental implants, bridges, and dentures. Many patients with a history of tooth loss and replacement options come to see us 3-4 times a year for dental check ups and cleanings to help maintain the health of the remaining teeth and the new dental prosthesis.

Our team at Midtown Dental Group is here to guide you through your decision, ensuring you’re fully informed and confident in your choice.

Tooth Replacement: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average age of tooth loss in adults?

The average age for tooth loss in adults can vary depending on several factors, such as oral health habits, genetics, and overall health. However, many adults start losing teeth around their 50s and 60s, often due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. Proper dental care can help delay or prevent tooth loss, even in older age.

What is the cheapest option to replace missing teeth?

The cheapest option to replace missing teeth is typically dentures, specifically partial or full removable dentures. Dentures are less expensive than dental implants or bridges, making them a more affordable solution for those looking for quick and non-surgical tooth replacement options.

Is it possible to replace single teeth?

Yes, it is possible to replace a single tooth. The most common options for single tooth replacement include dental implants and dental bridges. A dental implant provides a permanent solution, while a bridge can also replace a single tooth but relies on the adjacent teeth for support.

What is a single fake tooth called?

A single fake tooth is commonly referred to as a dental crown, implant crown, cap, or a pontic when used in conjunction with a dental implant or as part of a dental bridge. If the tooth is removable, it may also be called a partial denture or a flipper or a nesbit. A flipper or nesbit is a temporary, removable tooth that is often used while waiting for a permanent solution.

How serious is losing a tooth?

Losing a tooth is more serious than it might initially seem. Beyond cosmetic concerns, tooth loss can lead to bone loss in the jaw, misalignment of the remaining teeth, and difficulty chewing or speaking. It can also increase the risk of further dental problems if not addressed promptly. Replacing a missing tooth is crucial to maintain both oral health and overall function.

In Conclusion

Tooth replacement is more than just restoring your smile. It’s about reclaiming your confidence, your ability to enjoy everyday moments, and your overall quality of life. Whether you’re considering dental implants, bridges, or dentures, choosing the right option is a deeply personal decision that requires expertise and care. At Midtown Dental Group, we’re more than just a dental office—we’re your trusted partner on this journey.

Our compassionate, skilled team will be with you every step of the way, from understanding your unique needs to finding the best tooth replacement solution for you. With state-of-the-art techniques and a commitment to personalized care, we ensure that your experience is seamless, comfortable, and truly transformative.

When it comes to tooth replacement, you deserve nothing but the best. Trust Midtown Dental Group to restore not just your smile, but the confidence and joy that come with it. Let us help you take that important step toward a brighter, healthier future.

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