When you are missing one or more teeth, the following 4 (four) treatments are available:

1. Procrastination (do absolutely nothing).

When deciding to postpone replacement of a missing tooth, it is important to consider the effects. Missing teeth can often be a source of embarrassment, as well as affect a person’s quality of life. Some of the problems associated with lost teeth include difficulty eating or chewing (hard foods can get painfully jammed into the gum), speech problems, and also cause the adjacent teeth to shift. When these teeth shift, they can create further cosmetic problems and also become more susceptible to cavities, bite problems and gum disease. The continued bone loss in the area of the missing tooth will lead to a more complicated and time demanding treatment when the replacement might be necessary.

2. Tooth-supported fixed bridge.

A traditional bridge involves grinding down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good esthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone resorbtion in the edentulous area, and sacrificing healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge. It is a fast and cost-effective solution in cases where the teeth that will support the planned bridge are already severely broken down.

3. Removable partial denture.

This is not a permanent alternative to a lost tooth. It is unstable, loosely attached and covers a large part of your mouth, which affects both function and comfort. A removable partial denture is made of plastic – a material that can't create the same esthetic result as a ceramic crown. The benefits are few but do exist: adjacent teeth aren't affected. It is easily and quickly installed and relatively cheap.

4. Dental Implant placement.

Once the implant is installed, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you to eat and function like normal almost immediately.  Following uneventful healing, permanent ceramic tooth is placed over the implant. The new tooth is installed for life. No additional treatment is needed. The bone volume is preserved and adjacent teeth are left untouched. The function and esthetics of the missing tooth are replicated as close as possible to the original.

You should expect the new tooth to fit and function just like a natural tooth. Do your usual dental hygiene to keep the tooth and gum around it clean and healthy.

The final result.

The looks, feel and function of the missing tooth are restored.