Baker Ranch Dental Spa

You Have Options for Replacing a Lost Tooth

26501 Rancho Pkwy S, Ste 202
Lake Forest, CA 92630

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Monday - Friday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Sat 9:00am - 3:00pm

Options for Replacing a Lost Tooth

 

If you’re missing a tooth, you’ve got several options. The least advisable is to do nothing! It’s not just about aesthetics…Replacing a lost tooth is important to restoring maximum function, maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth, and preserving facial contours.

Your pearly whites don’t just look pretty, they are important place holders for each other. Over time, those adjacent to a toothless gap can drift to fill the space and move out of alignment.  Additionally, tooth roots below the gums provide stimulation that the underlying jawbone needs to maintain its form and density.

Following are common approaches to replacing a lost tooth. The most appropriate for you will depend on a variety of factors that you should discuss with your dentist.

Dental Implant

Today’s gold standard for tooth replacement is the dental implant. This is actually a tooth root replacement to which a separately fashioned crown is attached. For successful implantation, there must be a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone to anchor the implant and the adjacent gums and teeth must be healthy. Certain systemic health conditions may preclude implantation as well.

PROS:

  • Aesthetic, functional, reliable
  • Stimulates the jaw bone to remodel and rebuild
  • Does not compromise the integrity of adjacent teeth
  • Decreased risk of periodontal (gum) disease compared with a bridge

CONS

  • More expensive than a bridge (but more durable so it could be more cost-effective long term)
  • Requires minor surgery and healing time before placement of  a permanent crown

Albert S

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