Why a gap is worth filling even when it does not show
The bone that held the root starts to shrink once the tooth is gone, because nothing is stimulating it any more. That is why long-standing gaps change the shape of the face over time.
The teeth either side of a gap also drift into it, and the tooth opposite can over-erupt. What starts as one missing tooth can become a bite problem affecting several.
None of that is a reason to panic. It is a reason not to leave it indefinitely.
Your options, briefly
- Implant: fixed, holds bone, costs most, takes longest
- Bridge: fixed, faster, uses the teeth either side for support
- Partial denture: removable, least invasive, lowest cost
- Doing nothing: valid short term, costly if the bite shifts
- Combination: several implants supporting a bridge or denture
- No option at all: sometimes the honest answer if bone or health rules it out
How we work out which one suits you
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A scan and an examination
Bone volume, gum health and how your bite works. This is what rules options in or out.
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The options laid out
What each involves, how long it takes, what it costs, and the downside of each. Including the downside of the expensive one.
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Your call
You decide with the information in front of you. Nothing is booked in the same breath as being told.
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Treatment
Whichever route you choose, planned around your budget and your schedule.
Who you will see
Dr. Shayan Azimi looks after replacing missing teeth at our Bishop Arts practice. You see the same dentist at every visit, so nobody starts your treatment over.
What it costs, and how people pay
Price depends on what you actually need, so we look first and tell you the number before anything starts. What we can tell you now is how it gets paid for.
- Insured. In network with most major PPO plans, and your benefits get checked before treatment is planned.
- Medicaid or CHIP. Both accepted, which a lot of Dallas practices will not do.
- No insurance. Our membership plan covers cleanings, exams and routine x-rays from $30 a month, with 20% off other treatment.
- Larger treatment. Cherry, Sunbit and HFD payment plans spread the cost.
Replacing Missing Teeth questions
- What is the best way to replace a missing tooth?
- There is no single best. Implants preserve bone and do not involve the neighbouring teeth, but cost more and take months. Bridges are faster but require preparing the teeth either side. Partials are removable and cheapest. Which is best depends on your bone, your health and your budget.
- What happens if I just leave the gap?
- The bone under the gap gradually shrinks and the surrounding teeth drift. Short term it is often fine. Over years it can turn one problem into several, and it can also make replacing the tooth later more complicated.
- Can I replace several missing teeth at once?
- Yes. Depending on the situation that might be a bridge, a partial denture, or a small number of implants supporting several teeth. The scan tells us what is possible.
- How do I pay for this?
- We check your insurance first. If you have none, the membership plan gives 20% off treatment, and Cherry, Sunbit and HFD spread larger cases over months.