Singe tooth replacement options
1. The first option is to make a removable flipper, very fast, easy to make, cheap, but always falls out, the metal hooks might be visible, and it puts pressure on your gum which causes gum recession and because nothing puts load on the bone- it's permanently dissolves with time. So let's say you wear a flipper for 5 years and now there is only half of your bone left compared to when you had a tooth. So it is only a temporary solution
2. Option #2 is a little better, but only available for the front teeth- we can hang off a tooth from the one next to it with a wing or two behind it. It doesn’t require any or very minimal drilling It's not removable, there are no hooks, it looks great, but again, there's no load on the bone, so with time it will get thinner and might need bone grafting or gum grafting to improve the gum profile. Very good option for growing patients to buy time before implant placement or someone whose medical condition doesn’t allow implant placement at the moment
3. The third option is a regular bridge between teeth that replaces missing tooth by connecting neighboring teeth. Quick turn around time, looks great, strong, but you have to drill around teeth next to the one that’s missing and it’s not always the best idea unless teeth have to be crowned for another reason. To me it’s almost malpractice to permanently damage two teeth to replace one. It’s almost like to cut one leg so the other gets better. And again, if in the future you get Carie’s under the bridge because of poor hygiene or diet- you are risking to loose three teeth now, which is way more expensive to replace then one!
4. The last option, and is most long-term beneficial is to replace tooth with an implant. One tooth-one implant, no damage to the teeth around, feels great, looks great, keeps the bone long term, doesn’t ever get decayed, easy to clean between teeth and maintains proper hygiene.
Dental implants are artificial roots of the teeth and are most often made of titanium as this material is strong and can fuse to human bone in a process called osseointegration. This process of teeth replacement also protects the bone in the mouth from bone deterioration after tooth loss. For this reason, we suggest getting an implant as soon as possible after a tooth is lost, or if possible at the time of tooth extraction.
Dental implants replace missing teeth in the most natural feeling way. The tooth looks, feels, and functions like a regular tooth. This means it can withstand natural chewing pressure unlike other options such as a flipper and feels natural when speaking.
Unlike a dental bridge, a dental implant does not require reducing and damaging other teeth. This is a one tooth solution for a one tooth problem, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth for better hygiene. Dental implants can also replace multiple teeth at once if splinted into a bridge or even replace a whole arch of teeth when required. With good care, it’s possible for implants to last a lifetime.
So there’s nothing better then your own tooth, with all its imperfections weaknesses and maybe not ideal looks, so keep teeth as long as you can, but when root canals fail, teeth become mobile, other stuff and accidents in life happen, we are here to help! In Metro Dental and Implant Studio we provide free consultation, so don’t hesitate to reach out and see which option is the best for you!
To learn about these options, watch a full video on how to replace a missing tooth below!
How it Works
Step 1: Free Consultation
Everything begins with a free consultation in our office. We will take scans of your mouth which we use to determine if you are a candidate for the 3 on 6™ or need another way of restoring your teeth. At this initial consultation, we will go over payment and financing options with you and determine if and when you would like to begin treatment.
Step 2: Implant and Dental Surgery
At the following appointment, the implant surgery will take place together with any other surgical interventions required to restore what have been lost. This can be done with local anesthesia or you can choose to be sedated. After this surgery, the implants will need to heal for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. During this time you will receive temporary teeth so that you are not toothless while you heal. Our dental lab will use scans of your teeth or pre-designed models to design your new smile. You will have input on the design including the shade of the teeth. Also, we will take care of any infections, pain, and bruising that might happen during this time and we need to do any root canals, crowns, veneers, or any other dental treatment we will provide it while implants are healing.
Step 3: Temporary Crowns and Bridges
If your Temporary bridges were not delivered at the time of surgery, then they will be fabricated after your implants are healed. These are made out of a lighter material and will serve as a test drive for the fit and color. After trying the bridges for few weeks the doctor will meet with you again to see if you’re happy with your smile or if you would like some adjustments. Based on your feedback, the Doctor may make some modifications to your bridges and orders finals with strong and long lasting zirconia material for restorations on dental implants and other porcelain materials on your teeth. These materials are much stronger then acrylic and doesn't chip like porcelain fused to metal
Step 4: Final Crowns and Bridges
Your final zirconia and porcelain crowns and bridges will be made by our dental lab specialists, based on the specifications from your Doctor. A final appointment will be scheduled in which the Doctor will place your final crowns and bridges and ensure that it meets all of your expectations. That's it, you're done! You can now bite into an apple, smile for that selfie, and smooch your significant other with confidence!
Guarantee
When you get a 3 on 6™ smile you can rest assured that you have the best smile available. In addition, we offer a limited lifetime guarantee that provides protection and confidence in your smile. This guarantee is unique in the dental world and we are able to offer it because we are so confident in the 3 on 6™ and other full-arch restorations you will receive.
Get a Quote
In order to get a quote from us please stop by at our office for complementary exam and CBCT 3D x-ray to evaluate your condition a little closer