Replacing Missing Teeth
What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?
Missing teeth can sometimes be replaced with a dental bridge, dental implant or removable denture. The right approach depends on what is missing, what remains and what you need the replacement to do.
Your options
There isn't one right way to replace every missing tooth.
Different tooth-replacement options use different types of support.
A dental bridge uses neighbouring teeth. A dental implant crown is supported by an implant placed in the jaw. A denture is removable and can replace several or all missing teeth.
Which approach makes sense depends on the number and location of missing teeth, the condition of the remaining teeth and tissues, your bite, health considerations and your priorities.
We start with the mouth, not with a preferred treatment.
Tooth replacement options
Three different approaches.
Dental implants →
Support: an implant placed in the jaw.
An implant-supported crown can replace a missing tooth without relying on neighbouring teeth for support. We plan your treatment, a trusted periodontal specialist places the implant, and we design and fit the final crown.
Dental bridges →
Support: neighbouring teeth.
A traditional bridge replaces a missing tooth by connecting the replacement to restorations on the teeth beside the space.
Dentures →
Support: the mouth, remaining teeth and/or supporting tissues, depending on the design.
A removable option that can replace several or all missing teeth.
Comparing the options
The biggest difference is how the replacement is supported.
| Dental Implant | Dental Bridge | Denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removable? | No | No | Yes |
| Primary support | Implant in jaw | Neighbouring teeth | Teeth/tissues depending on design |
| Uses neighbouring teeth for primary support? | No | Yes | Sometimes |
| Can replace one tooth? | Yes | Yes | Possible, usually within a broader partial-denture plan |
| Can replace several teeth? | Yes, depending on plan | Yes, depending on design | Yes |
| Surgical phase? | Yes | No implant surgery | No implant surgery for conventional dentures |
The treatment with the most advantages on paper is not necessarily the treatment that makes the most sense for a particular mouth.
Making the decision
We look at more than the empty space.
How many teeth are missing?
Replacing one tooth can involve different considerations from replacing several or all teeth.
What condition are the neighbouring teeth in?
Healthy neighbouring teeth and heavily restored neighbouring teeth can lead to different restorative considerations.
What supporting tissues are available?
Implant treatment requires appropriate supporting tissues and specialist assessment.
How does your bite function?
The replacement needs to work with the forces elsewhere in the mouth.
What matters to you?
Fixed versus removable treatment, treatment stages and other personal priorities can all be part of the discussion.
Treatment planning is about finding the option that fits the whole situation, not simply filling the space.
Several missing teeth
What if I'm missing several teeth?
When several teeth are missing, there may still be more than one treatment approach.
Depending on the situation, options may include a removable partial or complete denture, a dental bridge or an implant-supported restorative plan.
The appropriate approach depends on the pattern of missing teeth, what remains, supporting tissues and the overall restorative plan.
Common questions
Common questions about replacing missing teeth.
What are the main options for replacing missing teeth?+
Dental implants, dental bridges and removable dentures are common approaches. The appropriate option depends on the individual situation.
Is a dental implant always the best way to replace a tooth?+
No. Implant treatment can be an excellent option in appropriate situations, but it is not automatically the best choice for every missing tooth or every patient.
What's the difference between a bridge and an implant?+
A traditional bridge uses neighbouring teeth for support. An implant-supported crown uses an implant placed in the jaw.
Are dentures only for people missing all their teeth?+
No. Partial dentures can replace selected missing teeth when natural teeth remain; complete dentures replace all teeth in an arch.
Does every missing tooth need to be replaced?+
No. The decision depends on which tooth is missing, function, bite, surrounding teeth, appearance and the overall dental situation.
What if my tooth might still be saved?+
The tooth should be assessed before assuming replacement is necessary. Depending on its condition, a filling, crown or root canal treatment may sometimes allow it to remain. In other situations, extraction may be the more appropriate path.
Do you place dental implants at C&ND?+
A trusted periodontal specialist places the implant. We plan your treatment, coordinate with the specialist, and design and fit the final crown once the implant is ready.
How do I know which option is right for me?+
Assessment of the missing-tooth area, remaining teeth, supporting tissues, bite and your treatment priorities is needed before recommending an approach.
Related care
Not sure which option makes sense?
You don't need to choose a treatment before you come in. We'll assess what is missing, what remains and what matters to you, then explain the options that make sense.
Or feel free to email us at reception@smilemail.ca. We reply to appointment requests within one business day.