Why You Should Replace a Missing Tooth

1. Prevent Bone Loss
   After extraction, the jawbone begins to shrink—a process called resorption. In fact, up to 30–60% of bone volume can be lost within the first six months. This reduction may affect both function and aesthetics, potentially complicating future treatments like dental implants.
2. Maintain Tooth Alignment and Bite
   A missing tooth creates a gap that adjacent teeth can drift into over time. This can change your bite, increase wear on neighbouring teeth, and potentially lead to TMJ (jaw joint) issues.
3. Preserve Oral Health
   Gaps are breeding grounds for food debris and bacteria, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease around neighbouring teeth. Regular replacement helps maintain oral hygiene and dental health.
4. Restore Confidence, Chewing & Speech
   Even a single missing tooth can affect your smile, speech clarity, and ability to chew certain foods comfortably—affecting both function and self-esteem. 

Tooth Replacement Options

Here’s a breakdown of the main solutions available at Advanced Dental Aesthetics in Southend, Essex, to replace a missing tooth, each with its benefits and considerations:

1. Dental Implants

• Considered the gold standard—implants mimic natural teeth by fusing with the jawbone (osseointegration).
• Pros: Long-lasting, highly aesthetic, preserves bone, stable, and maintains oral function. 
• Cons: More invasive and costly, requires healing time (usually several months), and may need bone grafting if bone loss has occurred.

2. Fixed Bridges

• Replace the missing tooth using adjacent teeth for support by placing crowns connected to a false tooth (pontic).
• Pros: Fast solution, good aesthetics, non-removable. 
• Cons: Requires reshaping healthy teeth; does not prevent bone loss under the missing tooth; may need replacement after 5–15 years. 

3. Resin-Retained Bridges

• A less invasive bridge bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth using resin cement.
• Pros: Conservative tooth preparation, lower cost, preserves enamel. Especially popular in the UK. 
• Cons: Lower long-term durability—around 83.6% survive five years, 64.9% at ten years; not suitable for areas requiring high strength. 

4. Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs)

• A removable appliance with artificial teeth set in a gum-like base, often clasped to adjacent teeth.
• Pros: Non-invasive, affordable, easy to adjust or extend if more teeth are lost. 
• Cons: Less stable, can feel uncomfortable or bulky, might trap food and require daily cleaning. 

5. Temporary Denture

• A lightweight, removable temporary prosthetic that fills the gap immediately after extraction.
• Pros: Quick and inexpensive interim solution—useful while waiting for permanent treatment. 
• Cons: Not designed for long-term use—fit and comfort are limited. 

6. Implant-Supported Overdentures or All-On-X Hybrids

• Overdentures: Removable dentures that snap onto implants for added stability. 
• All-On-X Hybrids: Permanent bridge anchored on four or more implants per arch; fixed in place
• Pros: Much more stable and functional than traditional dentures; preserve bone and often restore full chewing ability. 
• Cons: Higher cost, surgical complexity, and longer treatment timeline. 

Quick Comparison Table

Option	Pros	Cons
Dental Implant	Natural feel, bone preservation, longevity	Surgical, higher cost, requires healing
Fixed Bridge	Fast, stable, aesthetic	Alters healthy teeth, no bone preservation
Resin-Retained Bridge	Conservative prep, cost-effective	Lower longevity, less durable
Removable Partial Denture	Affordable, non-invasive	Bulky, less stable, maintenance required
Temporary Denture	Immediate fix, low cost	Short-term only, limited fit/comfort
Overdenture / All-On-X	Stable, functional, bone-saving	Expensive, requires surgery, complex

Final Thoughts

For our patients at Advanced Dental Aesthetics in Southend, Essex, we tailor tooth replacement options based on your oral health, budget, and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re leaning toward the long-term benefits of implants, the speed of bridges, or a temporary solution like a denture, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Your next step? Book a consultation with us at Advanced Dental Aesthetics — let’s preserve your smile, function, and oral health together.