How to Replace Missing Teeth

Posted on 11th December 2024

How to Replace Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth can be frustrating for many reasons – however, tooth problems may be more common than you think. A study by the Australian Dental Association states that 1 in 3 Australian adults over 15 years has untreated tooth decay, which might lead to losing a tooth. Sports injuries, accidents, infections, and gum disease can also lead to broken or chipped teeth. But not all is lost – in the untoward event that you lose a tooth, there are several options you can consider to bring back a radiant smile, from dental implants to flippers and dentures.

What causes missing teeth? 

While losing a tooth is unfortunate, it is more common than you might think.

Tooth decay

Not brushing your teeth well leads to a buildup of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. These bacteria cause cavities and tooth decay, which break down the tooth from the inside. Ultimately, the tooth falls. 

Gum disease

Gum disease is the leading cause of missing teeth in adults. This usually begins with an infection in the gum that surrounds the tooth. After some swelling and bleeding, the infection spreads to the jawbone under the tooth. The jawbone is no longer able to support the tooth, and the tooth falls. 

Injuries and accidents

Falls, accidents, and physical trauma might cause teeth to chip off or completely break off. 

Risk factors

Certain people might be more likely to lose teeth than others – like smokers, people with diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. 

There are many options available for those who have missing teeth.

Options available for those who have missing teeth

• Flippers

• Implant-supported bridge

• Resin-retained bridge

• Removable partial denture

• Removable complete denture

• Dental implants

Flipper

A flipper is a temporary removable denture that you wear while being fitted for a bridge, implant, or permanent denture. It gets the name because it can be flipped in and out easily. A flipper is often the first thing that a dentist might recommend while discussing other permanent options. Since flippers are temporary, they are less sturdy but inexpensive. Some flippers might also come with metal wires that are visible when you speak, but this is only temporary.

Pros: Inexpensive and easy to put on 

Cons: Not too sturdy, visible when speaking or chewing 

Implant-supported bridge

In case you lose larger teeth (like your molars), you might want to consider an implant-supported bridge. When there are teeth on either side of the missing tooth, a bridge can be used to cover the missing spot. Bridges completely cover the gap left by the tooth and come attached with a crown. Dental implants are placed on either side of the gap, and a bridge is used to cement the gap. Although this is not a permanent solution, it is long-term and fixed, so you do not have to worry about removing them every time you need to eat.

Pros: Fixed, so no need to be removed. Can cover more than one missing tooth.

Cons: Needs careful maintenance, else food can get stuck under the bridge. Needs regular dental checkups.

Resin-retained bridge

If you lose small teeth (for example, the front teeth), a resin-retained bridge might be a better option. This bridge does not involve implants; your dentist uses resin glue to attach the bridge to the neighbouring teeth. This is non-invasive and inexpensive as it does not involve attaching a screw to the jawbone. However, this might affect neighbouring teeth as the resin is applied to them – any subsequent decay to the neighbouring teeth might require redoing the whole procedure.

Pros: No need to attach implants. Not as expensive as implant-supported bridges. 

Cons: Neighbouring teeth will be affected. Not as sturdy as implant-supported bridges.

Removable partial denture

Removable partial dentures are a good option if only a part of your tooth is missing or if you’re missing a small section of teeth. These dentures can be removed and cleaned at night. Another advantage is that these dentures are inexpensive and easy to repair, making them a popular option. However, they are not as durable as implants or bridges, and may feel uncomfortable if you wear them for too long. If it does not fit right, they might also move around while you speak or chew.

Pros: Easy to remove and clean. Easy to repair. 

Cons: Not very durable. May feel unforgettable during speech.

Removable complete denture

In case of severe tooth decay, or if you do not have too many teeth left, a removable complete denture might be a sensible option. Your dentist will remove any tooth left and build a denture to replace most, if not all, teeth. This might take a few visits to the dentist, but the result is a functional and aesthetic solution.

Pros: Single denture for entire mouth.

Cons: Expensive, and requires many visits to the dentist to find the right fit.

Dental implants

In case you do not want to consider a bridge or dentures, dental implants might be your best bet. Implants are artificial titanium roots that can be screwed into your jawbone beneath your gums. Implants resemble real teeth and feel natural. 

Dr Katrina Zhao from Midas Dental says, “Implants do not affect neighbouring teeth, and improve oral health too. In fact, you can brush and floss your teeth like you would normally do, without needing to get anything removed!” 

Good implants last for many years but must be routinely monitored just like a regular tooth. If you want to replace many teeth, you can also use implants to support bridges or retainers.

Pros: Feels realistic and natural. Long-term solution. 

Cons: Expensive. Requires surgery to place the implant into the jawbone.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Missing Tooth?

Depending on what procedure you want, tooth replacement procedures start at AUD 1800 for two-crown bridges. Dental implants per tooth start at AUD 3500 and may go up to AUD 20,000 for All-on-4 dental implants to replace multiple teeth. While this is a staggering amount, this will most likely be covered by your dental insurance.

Is it worth it to replace a missing tooth?

Losing a tooth not only does it make chewing and speaking more difficult but might affect your self-confidence. Replacing missing teeth is essential for good oral hygiene, especially to stop infections and other teeth from shifting. In the unfortunate event of losing a tooth, it is a good idea to consider the number and positions of the teeth lost, the health of neighbouring teeth, and your budget. 

Reach out to our Sydney dentists to book a consultation and get some expert advice!