A missing tooth not only changes the overall appearance of the smile, but it negatively impacts the overall functionality of the mouth. It does not matter if the tooth was lost due to injury, illness, the development and advancement of gum disease, tooth decay, or due to a genetic issue, it can result in numerous complications.

The loss of one single tooth has the capability of negatively impacting your confidence and your oral health. The good news is, there are many excellent options available to replace a single missing tooth. In this guide, you will be introduced to these.

The Flipper

A flipper is a type of temporary denture that is capable of flipping in and out of position. It does not include a metal clasp and is not dependent upon the surrounding teeth. It is a cheap and virtually painless option to replace a single missing tooth.

It is lightweight and allows you to fill the space of a single missing tooth until you are able to obtain a more permanent feature. It is a bit bulky, so it may result in eventual breakage. Additionally, it may prove to be a bit uncomfortable.

A Tooth-Supported Bridge

This dental appliance uses the existing teeth in order to property support the actual placement of bridge, over two implants. A crown is then placed over the teeth beside the area of the single missing tooth and is cemented in for security.

There is no surgery and this provides a realistic look and a realistic feel compared to a dental implant. It is much more economical than the placement of dental implants. If the bridge ends up not fitting properly, it could result in damage to the surrounding teeth.

Additionally, the dental appliance is difficult to clean; therefore, you may find you are more susceptible to bone loss and infection as time progresses.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered to be the most common strategy for single tooth replacement. These result in a very realistic substitution for a single missing tooth. These are permanent dental devices that do not involve adjacent teeth.

In most instances, these implants will last a lifetime and require very little in terms of monitoring and checkups. The downside is, dental implants are often very expensive – even for a single tooth replacement.

Additionally, surgery must be performed in order to screw in the implant to the jawbone. This is not only an additional expense, but it requires additional healing time and may result in high risk of infection.

As you can see, if you are in need of a single tooth replacement, you have many options at your disposal. A dental professional will work closely with you to determine the best option for you.

We here at Implant & Perio Center of Kansas offer numerous services and procedures that will boost your oral health and ensure that you have a beautiful smile. If you would like to learn more, or want to set up an appointment, contact us today by calling: 316-330-4050