Losing a tooth can feel like a big deal. Because it is. That gap affects more than your smile. It can change how you chew, how you speak, and even how you feel about opening your mouth in public. Over time, missing teeth can cause remaining teeth to shift, mess with your bite, and lead to bone loss in your jaw.
But you have tooth replacement options. And at Infinity Dental, Dr. Thomas Prendergast offers three excellent ways to replace missing teeth right here in our Fox Lake office. Let’s walk through them together.
Dental Implants: The Closest Thing to a Natural Tooth
Think of a dental implant as a replacement root. A small titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone. Over time, that post fuses with the bone, just like a natural tooth root would. Then Dr. Prendergast attaches a custom-made crown on top.
- The upside: Implants look, feel, and function like real teeth. They don’t require any special care beyond regular brushing and flossing. And because they stimulate your jawbone, they actually prevent the bone loss that happens when a tooth goes missing.
- The downside: Implants take several months to complete because the bone needs time to heal around the post. They also cost more upfront than other options. But many patients find the long-term benefits well worth it.
- Best for: Patients who want a permanent, natural-feeling solution and are willing to invest in something that can last decades, or even a lifetime, with proper care.
Dental Bridge: A Reliable Classic
A bridge does exactly what the name suggests. It bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The teeth on either side of the gap are shaped down and crowned. Those crowns hold a replacement tooth, called a pontic, in between.
- The upside: Bridges are faster than implants, usually completed in just a few weeks. They’re also less expensive upfront and don’t require surgery.
- The downside: A bridge requires removing enamel from those healthy neighboring teeth, which can’t be reversed. Bridges also don’t replace the tooth root, so the bone underneath the gap can still shrink over time. Most bridges last 10 to 15 years before needing replacement.
- Best for: Patients who want a non-surgical option and have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap.
Partial Denture: Removable and Affordable
A partial denture is a removable appliance with replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base. Metal clasps or precision attachments hold it in place against your natural teeth.
- The upside: Partials are the most affordable option upfront. They don’t require any work on neighboring teeth. And because they’re removable, they’re easy to clean.
- The downside: Some people find partials uncomfortable or noticeable. They can feel bulky, and the metal clasps may show when you smile. Partials also don’t prevent bone loss, and they typically last five to eight years before needing replacement.
- Best for: Patients on a tight budget or those who need to replace several teeth but aren’t good candidates for implants or bridges.
So Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no single right answer for everyone. The best choice depends on your budget, your oral health, how many teeth you’re missing, and your personal goals. Come see us. Let Dr. Prendergast examine your smile, take a look at your bone health, and talk with you about what matters most. He’s been helping Fox Lake patients rebuild their smiles for over 20 years, and he’ll give you an honest recommendation based on your unique situation.
Missing teeth don’t have to stay missing. Modern dentistry offers real solutions that look and feel great. You just have to take the first step.
Ready to explore your options? Give Infinity Dental a call. We’ll help you find the right fit for your smile and your life.