Teeth can be missing for many reasons, including dental decay, tooth fracture, gum disease, genetics and accidents. If a missing tooth is not replaced, you may notice tipping of the adjacent or opposing teeth into that space over time. These changes can lead to increased wear of certain teeth, or spaces between the remaining teeth where food can get stuck. If you are looking to replace teeth, here are a few options:

1. Implants
2. Bridges
3. Dentures

Dental Implant

What is an implant?

An implant is considered to be the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. It is a post, usually made of titanium, that is surgically placed into the bone where the tooth is missing. The bone is allowed to heal and fuse with the post for a few months before the top portion that you see above the gums, also known as the crown, is attached.

Pros:

  • High success rate.
  • Does not need adjacent teeth for support (unlike a bridge). 
  • When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone also shrinks, which can lead to esthetic defects, and reduced bone support for the adjacent teeth. An implant will stimulate and maintain the surrounding bone.
  • Easier to keep the neighbouring teeth clean.
  • It is non-removable.

Cons:

  • Requires a surgical procedure.
  • May require a bone graft (the addition of bone material) if the existing bone support isn’t enough.
  • Treatment duration will be at least a few months before the final crown is inserted.
  • Costs more than a denture or a bridge.
Dental bridge

What is a bridge?

Like implants, bridges are a non-removable prosthesis. Unlike an implant, which replaces the entire tooth including the root, a bridge only fills in the missing crown (chewing) portion that’s visible above the gums. The portion that looks like the missing tooth is called a pontic. For the most common type of bridge, the pontic is connected to crowns that sit on the supporting teeth on each side of the missing tooth. These supporting teeth must first be modified prior to the bridge being inserted.

Pros:

  • Can take as little as two appointments, about two weeks apart. 
  • Does not require surgery.
  • It’s non-removable.
  • Costs less than an implant.

Cons:

  • More difficult to clean under a bridge
  • Costs more than a denture.
  • Supporting teeth need to be modified to support the bridge. The health of these teeth affect the success of the bridge.
  • Does not maintain bone levels.
Dentures

What is a denture?

A denture is a removable prosthesis that can be taken out anytime. Dentures are a more affordable way of replacing multiple teeth. 

Pros:

  • More affordable than a bridge or an implant.
  • Can replace many missing teeth at the same time.
  • The gums and bone shrink over time in the locations where teeth are missing, which may lead to the appearance of the face sagging. A denture can fill in these areas, and support your lips and cheek.
  • Does not require surgery.

Cons:

  • Requires a series of appointments.
  • Although dentures can fill in the appearance of the missing bone, it does not maintain bone levels.
  • Decreased chewing force.
  • It is removable.

Which option is the best for me?

The choice is highly dependent on your individual circumstance and should be discussed with your dentist. There are many factors to be considered, including: 

  • your medical and dental health
  • the way your teeth bite together
  • the number and location of the missing teeth
  • your timeline
  • your financial situation
  • your esthetic preferences

Dentists Near You

If you are missing a tooth, take the first step to book a consultation with our Surrey dentists at Vivant Dental in the  Panorama area.

Dental implants may be used to replace a single missing or damaged tooth, or to restore multiple teeth. Modern dental implants provide prosthetic teeth that are nearly indistinguishable from normal teeth in appearance, and are usually long-lasting.  These artificial roots are anchored in the bone beneath the gums where they become integrated in the jaw. A crown is mounted atop the implant for a natural looking restoration.  

Did you know…

that modern titanium implants were first developed in the 1950’s, but archeologists have determined that ancient Egyptians and Mayans were the first cultures to implant artificial teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental implants right for me?

Many dentists and patients prefer dental implants for replacing missing teeth because implants offer similar function to natural teeth, and also help maintain the jaw bone. If you have missing, broken or severely decayed teeth that cannot be saved, speak with an oral care provider to discuss your eligibility for implants.

What should I expect IF I WANT TO PROCEED WITH dental implants?

The placement of dental implants is a multi-step process that typically takes between 6 and 9 months to complete. Typically the process starts with taking radiographs (X-ray) images to assess whether there is enough bone in the area of the missing teeth to support implants. If there is adequate bone, a dental specialist will surgically place a titanium component that mimics a natural tooth root. Over the next few months, the surrounding bone will grow around the implant, adding stability.  At the conclusion of the healing period, you’ll return to your general dentist to be fitted for the crown, bridge, or denture that sits on top of the implant.