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Missing Teeth? There Are Options!
Losing a tooth, whether due to injury, decay, or gum disease, is more common than you might think. Thankfully, Dr. Viviana Waich offers several excellent solutions to restore both function and confidence. But it’s also important to understand why delaying tooth replacement can lead to bigger problems later… especially when bone loss becomes a factor.
Your Tooth Replacement Options
Single Dental Implants
If you are missing just one tooth, or maybe you have one tooth that you need to have extracted, a single-tooth implant may be the best option. This procedure will start with an initial consult and x-rays or imaging. Dr. Viviana Waich will then determine if you are a good candidate for a single-tooth implant.
Full Arch or All-On-4
A full arch (sometimes referred to as all-on-4) means you want to replace more than one missing tooth. This can be as much as a full mouth. All-On-4 dental implants are placed the same way as a single implant but usually require more appointments. You may also need a dental bridge or crown to complete this procedure.
Dental implants are the gold standard at Sonrisas. A titanium post is placed in your jaw where it fuses with bone, providing a stable and permanent base for a crown. Here are some reasons we recommend this as the best option for replacing a missing tooth:
- Preserves bone health
- Feels and functions like a natural tooth
- Longevity—often lasting a lifetime with proper care
Implants are a perfect option for patients with sufficient bone and good overall oral health. If your extraction was recent, ask us about a bone graft to preserve the site, even if you’re not ready for an implant yet!
Fixed Dental Bridge
A bridge replaces a missing tooth using adjacent teeth for support. We offer this as an alternative to implants for patients who prefer a quicker, non-surgical solution. Reasons to consider:
- No surgery required
- Faster timeline than implant placement
Things to consider:
- Requires altering neighboring teeth
- Doesn’t prevent the bone underneath from shrinking
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Tooth Replacement
It might feel okay to leave a gap temporarily, especially if it’s toward the back, but that gap can have consequences. Teeth work together as a system, and when one is missing, the neighboring teeth often begin to shift. More critically, your jawbone begins to deteriorate when there’s no root to stimulate it.
At Sonrisas, we sometimes say:
“You’ll regret not putting bone.”
That means if you wait too long, implant placement might require a bone graft to rebuild the foundation, making it more invasive and costly. It’s far better to act early and preserve your options.
What Happens If You Wait?
Here’s why putting off replacement can lead to complications:
- Bone loss: Without stimulation from a tooth root, your jawbone begins to deteriorate, making future implant placement more difficult or even impossible.
- Teeth shifting: Adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space, disrupting your bite and leading to more dental issues.
- Facial changes: Bone loss can result in a sunken appearance in the face and changes in your smile’s structure.
- Functionality issues: Missing teeth can affect speech and chewing efficiency, impacting everything from enjoyment of food to comfort.
Emergency Dental Services
Sometimes, a missing tooth can happen suddenly. If you had a tooth knocked out due to a sudden trauma or sporting event – or it needs to be extracted due to infection – don’t wait! Schedule an appointment with us right away so we can take care of you.
