What are my options for replacing missing teeth?

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone that acts like a tooth root, with a crown attached on top. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or be used to hold a denture in place. They stand on their own without changing the neighboring teeth. Because they replace the root, implants also help keep the jawbone active, which a bridge or a removable denture does not do in the same way.

What is a dental bridge?

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth to the natural teeth on each side. Those neighboring teeth are reshaped and capped with crowns to support it. A bridge is fixed in place, so you do not remove it. A bridge does not involve surgery, which is one reason some people prefer it, but it does depend on the health of the teeth beside the gap.

What about dentures?

Dentures replace several or all of the teeth in a jaw and can be removable or attached to implants for more stability. They are a common choice when many teeth are missing.

• Removable partial denture: replaces a few teeth and can be taken out for cleaning
• Full denture: replaces all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw
• Implant-supported denture: attaches to implants so it feels more secure

How do you choose the right option?

The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your gums and jawbone, your lifestyle, and your budget. Healthy gums matter for any option, so gum care is often reviewed first.

Every mouth is different, so please treat this as general guidance rather than a diagnosis. A Northside Dental dentist can look at your teeth and gums and walk you through the choices that make sense for you. Call 773-561-2237 or use the online appointment request form to get started.