What are My Options to Replace Missing Teeth?

Losing a tooth, whether from injury, decay, or extraction, affects more than your smile. It changes how you chew, how you speak, and over time, how your jawbone holds its shape. The right replacement option restores function and appearance while protecting your long-term oral health. 

At Sonneveld Oral & Facial Surgery, we help patients understand every available path so they can make a confident, informed decision.

Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters

Leaving a gap in your smile does more damage than most people realize. Neighboring teeth gradually shift toward the empty space, which throws off your bite and can lead to additional tooth loss down the road. 

At the same time, the jawbone beneath the missing tooth begins to deteriorate without a root to stimulate it. Acting sooner rather than later gives you the best outcomes and the most options.

Dental Implants

Dental implants represent the gold standard for tooth replacement, and for good reason. A small titanium post placed into the jawbone serves as an artificial root, providing a stable foundation for a custom crown on top. The result looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.

Key advantages include:

• Preserves jawbone by stimulating it the way a natural root does
• Does not affect neighboring teeth, unlike bridges
• Designed to last decades with proper care
• No slipping, adhesives, or special cleaning routines

Implants require a surgical procedure and a healing period, but for most healthy adults, they deliver the most durable and natural-feeling result available.

Implant-Supported Bridges and Full-Arch Restorations

When multiple adjacent teeth need replacement, implant-supported bridges offer a strong, stable solution without placing an individual implant for every missing tooth. A few strategically positioned implants support a bridge that spans the gap, preserving bone and restoring chewing function.

For patients missing an entire arch, full-arch implant restorations, sometimes called All-on-4 or implant-supported overdentures, use a small number of implants to anchor a complete set of teeth. This approach delivers significantly better stability, comfort, and long-term bone health compared to traditional dentures.

Traditional Dentures

Conventional dentures remain an option for patients replacing multiple or all teeth. They sit on the gums, require no surgery, and can be made relatively quickly. For some patients, they serve as a practical starting point or a transitional solution.

The tradeoffs are real, though. Traditional dentures can slip, limit what you eat, and do nothing to prevent the bone loss that occurs after tooth loss. Many patients who start with conventional dentures eventually pursue implant-supported options for a more permanent, comfortable fit.

Dental Bridges

A traditional dental bridge fills a gap by anchoring an artificial tooth to the natural teeth on either side. It restores appearance and basic chewing function without surgery, making it a faster and less invasive option than implants.

The drawback is that placing a bridge requires permanently altering healthy neighboring teeth to serve as anchors. It also does not address bone loss beneath the missing tooth. Bridges typically last 10 to 15 years before needing replacement.

How Do You Choose?

The best option depends on several factors:

• How many teeth need replacement
• The condition of your jawbone and surrounding teeth
• Your overall health and candidacy for surgery
• Your long-term goals for function, appearance, and maintenance

At Sonneveld Oral & Facial Surgery, we specialize in implant-based solutions because they consistently deliver the best outcomes for our patients, but we take the time to evaluate each situation individually. A thorough consultation gives you a clear picture of what will work best for your unique anatomy and goals.

Ready to explore your options? Contact our team to schedule a consultation today.

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about replacing missing teeth, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Sonneveld Oral & Facial Surgery. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.