Option one is to replace it with a dental implant. Dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth that a dentist can provide. It consists of a titanium post integrated into the jaw bone and a porcelain crown placed above the post. It feels and looks like a natural tooth, and it’s also cleaned like a natural tooth. It can stimulate the surrounding bone to prevent unwanted bone loss. A dental implant can be more of an investment upfront compared to the other options, but can save you more in the long run because a well-looked-after implant may last you a lifetime.

Option two to replace a tooth is a dental bridge. A dental bridge consists of two porcelain crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the missing space as an anchor to support an artificial tooth. It restores your ability to chew and speak, and it can be aesthetically pleasing. A dental bridge usually lasts from 5 to 10 years, although it may require more maintenance to clean it, compared to an implant or natural tooth, it is still a simple and effective way to replace a missing tooth.

Option three is to replace the tooth with a denture. It is not as invasive as the previous options but can replace multiple missing teeth in a cost-effective way. However, dentures often are not comfortable or natural as the previous options. It is often very bulky and it requires a great deal of maintenance, but as dental prosthetic advances each year, so are dentures. And nowadays, it can be an interim solution when we’re preparing for more permanent restoration for you.