Losing a tooth – or several – affects how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. The good news is that modern dentistry offers several excellent ways to replace missing teeth. At Focus Dental Group in Midvale, the three options patients ask about most are dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures. Here’s how they compare.
Why Replace Missing Teeth at All?
A gap in your smile isn’t just cosmetic. Neighboring teeth can drift into the space, your bite can change, and the jawbone beneath the missing tooth gradually shrinks. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth loss remains common among older adults, often as a result of untreated decay and gum disease.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone that acts as a new tooth root. It’s topped with a custom crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Pros:
- Looks, feels, and functions most like a natural tooth
- Helps preserve the jawbone
- Doesn’t require altering neighboring teeth
- Can last for decades with proper care
Considerations:
- Requires a minor surgical procedure and healing time
- Higher upfront cost than some alternatives
- Requires enough healthy bone, though grafting can often help
For patients missing an entire arch, All-on-4 dental implants can support a full set of fixed teeth on just four implants. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry offers additional background on how implants work.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge fills a gap by anchoring one or more replacement teeth to crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side.
Pros:
- Fixed in place – no removal needed
- Usually completed in two visits
- No surgery required
Considerations:
- Neighboring teeth must be reshaped to support the bridge
- Doesn’t stimulate the jawbone under the gap
- Best for shorter gaps
Full and Partial Dentures
Dentures are removable replacements for several or all missing teeth. Partial dentures attach to your remaining natural teeth, while full dentures replace an entire arch.
Pros:
- The most affordable option for replacing many teeth
- Non-surgical
- Can be made relatively quickly, including immediate dentures
Considerations:
- Can shift or feel loose, especially over time
- Need to be removed for cleaning and at night
- May need relining as the jaw changes
How to Choose
The best option depends on how many teeth you’re missing, the health of your gums and jawbone, your budget, and your personal preferences. Some patients combine options – for example, implant-supported dentures. If you have several dental concerns at once, tooth replacement may be part of a full mouth reconstruction. Nervous about treatment? Our sedation dentistry options can help you relax.
Get a Personalized Recommendation in Midvale
Dr. Steve Duke and Dr. Craig Van Alfen will examine your smile and walk you through every option. Call Focus Dental Group at (801) 255-7101 to schedule a tooth replacement consultation, or explore all of our dental services.