Losing a tooth is not just cosmetic. A gap changes how you chew, how neighbouring teeth lean and how your jawbone is maintained. There are three main ways to fill it.
Dental implants
A titanium post in the jaw supports a crown. See the complete implant guide.
- Pros: stands alone, feels and functions like a natural tooth, helps preserve bone, does not involve neighbouring teeth.
- Cons: surgery is needed, treatment takes months, higher initial cost, requires enough bone.
Dental bridges
A false tooth is held by crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap.
- Pros: fixed, quicker (a few weeks), no surgery.
- Cons: healthy neighbouring teeth must be reshaped, cleaning underneath takes effort, the bone under the gap is not stimulated.
Dentures
Removable plates with artificial teeth, partial for some missing teeth or complete for a whole arch.
- Pros: suit multiple or all missing teeth, relatively economical, no surgery, adjustable.
- Cons: may feel less stable, need daily cleaning and periodic relining, and may affect taste or eating comfort. See denture care.
Questions to discuss
- How many teeth are missing and where?
- Are neighbouring teeth healthy or already heavily filled?
- Is there enough bone and healthy gum?
- What is your budget and timeline?
- How much maintenance can you commit to?
Do not wait too long
Leaving a gap for years can allow neighbouring teeth to tilt and the bone to shrink, making later treatment more complex. Book a consultation to look at your options in dental implants and dentures.