Tooth Replacement Options

A missing tooth creates cosmetic problems and dental problems. Other teeth can shift into the space created by a missing tooth, making them harder to clean and leading to tooth decay, cavities and further tooth loss. There are several ways to replace a missing tooth.

Types

• The three most common tooth replacement options are dental implants, fixed bridges and removable appliances. The first step to placing a dental implant is to insert a screw into the jawbone where the missing tooth is located. After about three months of healing, a cap or crown is attached to the screw. A fixed bridge involves crowning the two teeth surrounding the missing tooth to hold a false tooth in between the crowns. Removable appliances come in many forms and materials, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced, the overall condition of your mouth and where the missing tooth or teeth are located.

Considerations

• You should discuss several factors with your dentist or oral surgeon before deciding on an appropriate tooth replacement option. The number of teeth that need to be replaced and the location of those teeth are two of the most important factors to consider. Generally, the more teeth that need to be replaced, the more costly the replacement will be. Whether you have dental insurance and what type of replacement the insurance will cover is another major consideration for most people. It may be necessary for you to balance the aesthetic appeal of a particular options with the cost. Older patients may not be in good enough oral health to undergo a surgical procedure like a dental implant and may find it easier and less risky to go with less invasive removable teeth.

Comparisons

• Although dental implants are the most commonly used tooth replacement option, they are also the most costly. According to DocShop.com, the cost in 2009 for a single dental implant ranged from $2,000 to $4,000. Some insurance policies will cover some of the cost, and financing options may be available as well. Implants are typically the best choice for a missing tooth in an obvious location because they look so realistic. Dental implants have a healing period of about three months because placing a dental implant is a surgical process. Implants have a low risk of complications, but they cannot be used in patients who do not have sufficient jawbone and soft tissue in which to anchor the implant.

  According to AboutCosmeticDentistry.com, a single fixed bridge can cost anywhere from $500 to $900 per tooth as of 2009, and dental insurance will usually pay about half the cost. Fixed bridges are quite realistic-looking. Fixed bridges can be difficult to floss around, and patients must take great care to keep the bridge clean to prevent bacteria from decaying the healthy teeth anchoring the false tooth.

  Removable appliances are the least costly method of tooth replacement, so they may be the best option for patients without dental insurance. They are the least visually appealing option, as the false tooth or teeth are typically attached to the device with metal clasps that are difficult to conceal. They do not usually cause any complications as long as they are kept clean and fit properly.