Lost a Tooth? Explore the Best Replacement Options Available

While dentists aim to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, sometimes tooth extraction is unavoidable. If your dentist recommends removing a tooth, it’s essential to consider tooth replacement options after the extraction. This article discusses the best tooth replacement solutions to help you determine the best option based on your oral health needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Why You Shouldn’t Leave a Gap After Tooth Extraction

• After a tooth extraction, it may be easier and cheaper to leave the space unfilled, especially if the missing tooth is toward the back of your mouth. But skipping a tooth replacement can lead to long-term issues that may cost more down the road. That space can significantly impact your oral health.

Missing teeth can cause surrounding teeth to drift out of position. This shift can lead to bite problems, uneven wear, and a change in the appearance of your smile. Lastly, bone loss is a major concern. In just the first year following an extraction, you could lose up to 25% of bone width at the site. Within three years, that loss can reach 40%. To keep your treatment options open, it’s best to consult your dentist in Everett as soon as possible after an extraction.

Tooth Replacement Solutions After Extraction

After an extraction, your dentist will assess the area, including bone health and tooth position, to recommend the most effective tooth replacement option.

Dental Implants

• Dental implants are one of the most recommended options for tooth replacement after extraction. They closely resemble and function like natural teeth. Implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, helping preserve bone structure and preventing bone loss over time. Each year, over 500,000 Americans choose dental implants, joining the millions who already rely on them for long-term comfort and stability.

The process begins with placing a titanium post into the jaw where the tooth was removed. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone, creating a durable and permanent foundation. A custom-made crown is then added to match your existing teeth in color and shape, creating a seamless smile.

Removable Partial Dentures

• One of the more affordable tooth replacement options after extraction is a removable partial denture, also known as a removable bridge. This device features a gum-colored base that rests along the top or bottom of your mouth, holding a custom-made replacement tooth in place.

Partial dentures are designed to fill the exact space left by your missing tooth and are removed at night for cleaning, similar to full dentures. While partial dentures may cost less upfront, they typically last around 10 years and don’t feel as natural as other permanent solutions.

Fixed Dental Bridge

• A fixed dental bridge offers a more stable solution than a removable denture. This type of restoration is cemented into place and stays in your mouth at all times. It’s a common choice for those who prefer not to remove their replacement tooth daily.

However, there are trade-offs. To place a fixed bridge, the dentist must reshape the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to serve as anchors for the bridge. Once this is done, those teeth will always need support from a dental restoration moving forward. Fixed bridges typically last 5–10 years, depending on how well they are maintained.

Resin-Bonded Bridge

• A resin-bonded bridge, also known as a Maryland bridge, is ideal for replacing a missing front tooth where biting pressure is minimal. Unlike traditional bridges, this option uses metal or porcelain “wings” bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, eliminating the need to reshape healthy enamel.

The major benefit of this bridge is its conservative approach. It maintains the structure of surrounding teeth and offers a more natural appearance than a removable denture.

Immediate Tooth extraction does not have to be painful and uncomfortable. Our experienced dentists at Icon Dental Center offer the best tooth extraction services. Don’t hesitate to book your appointment. Call us at 206-225-2882 for Seattle and 425-337-2400 for Everett.