--- title: "Tooth Replacement Options: Implants, Bridges, Dentures" description: "Compare dental implants, bridges and dentures for a missing tooth or several. See how each works, what to expect, and how Town Center Dental plans your care." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-replacement publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- ![The 3D imaging unit at Town Center Dental](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/_astro/3d-imaging.COvrf4mM_zh2gb.avif) # Tooth replacement options in Wildwood, MO Tooth replacement options include dental implants, bridges and dentures. An implant replaces the root with a post in the jawbone. A bridge fills a gap using the teeth beside it. Dentures are removable and can replace some or all teeth. Your dentist examines your mouth, explains each choice, and helps you compare steps, timing and upkeep. [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866) ## Three main options Implants, bridges and dentures each replace missing teeth in a different way. ## Health matters more than age For implants, the American Dental Association says your health is more of a factor than your age. Chronic illness and tobacco can slow healing. ## Gaps have effects A space can change how you speak and eat. Your dentist can talk through what leaving a gap may mean for your bite. ## Estimates are personal Town Center Dental gives each patient a personal estimate. Coverage depends on your plan. Tooth replacement options side by side Option How it works Fixed or removable Good to know Dental implant A post is placed in the jawbone. The bone heals around it, then a crown, bridge or denture attaches. Fixed (or removable when it supports a denture) Needs enough healthy bone. Healing takes time. Bridge Artificial teeth are attached to the teeth beside the gap, or to implants. Fixed or removable, depending on type Neighboring teeth need to be healthy and strong. Partial denture Replacement teeth on a base clip onto remaining teeth. Removable Needs daily cleaning and regular fit checks. Complete denture A full set of teeth on a base replaces an entire arch. Removable Gums and bone change over time, so fit needs checking. ## What are my options for a missing tooth or teeth? There are three main paths. The American Dental Association lists bridges, dentures and implants as ways to replace lost teeth. A bridge is anchored to the teeth next to the gap. A denture is a removable appliance, and it is an option if you have lost all or most of your teeth. An implant is a post placed in the jawbone that supports a new tooth. Which one fits depends on your gums, your bone, your remaining teeth, your health and your goals. Your dentist examines your mouth, takes x-rays or scans, and explains each option and its trade-offs. Ask what each one involves, how long it takes, what upkeep it needs, and what it may cost. Read the pages for each option: [dental implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant), [dental bridges](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bridge), [dentures](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures), [bone grafting](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/bone-grafting) and [denture repair](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/denture-repair). The [missing tooth guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/replacing-a-missing-tooth) helps you plan. ## How do dental implants work, and what is the timeline? An implant has three phases. The American Dental Association explains that first the dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone. Next the bone around the implant heals in a process called [osseointegration](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/osseointegration), which means the bone grows around it and holds it in place. This takes time. Finally, the new tooth, usually a crown, is placed and designed to blend in with your other teeth. Health matters. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes may interfere with healing after surgery. Using tobacco can slow healing too. Your dentist may talk with your doctor. Planning uses scans. The practice's [Technology page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/technology) lists cone beam CT scans and an in-house printer for surgical guides, and your dentist can explain how scans fit your plan. For more on timing, read our blog posts on the [implant recovery timeline](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/dental-implant-recovery-timeline) and [whether implants are painful](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/are-dental-implants-painful), plus the [dental implants guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-implants-guide). ## How do bridges and dentures compare? A bridge is fixed and a denture is removable. The American Dental Association says a bridge, sometimes called a fixed partial denture, replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth and fills the gap where one or more teeth used to be. Bridges can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination, and attach to surrounding teeth. An implant bridge attaches directly to the jaw. A bridge depends on its foundation, so it is important to keep the remaining teeth healthy. Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. They come as full dentures for a whole arch and partial dentures that attach to remaining teeth. New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks. Daily cleaning matters, and the fit should be checked at regular visits. See our pages on the [dental bridge](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bridge), [dentures](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures) and [denture repair](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/denture-repair). The [dentures vs implants guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dentures-vs-implants) compares them in more depth, and the blog compares a [dental bridge vs implant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/dental-bridge-vs-implant). ## When does an implant need a bone graft? Sometimes the jawbone is too thin or soft to hold an implant. Cleveland Clinic explains that a dental bone graft increases the volume and density of your jaw, and that you might need one after tooth extractions or in areas of bone loss. It can also be used to lift the sinus cavities before dental implants in some situations. A graft works as a scaffold. Cleveland Clinic describes grafting as holding space in the jaw so the body can grow its own bone. The graft material may come from your own body, a donor bank, an animal source, or a lab-made substitute. Your dentist explains the choice and healing time. A graft adds a healing step before the implant. Ask how long to wait. Read the [bone grafting page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/bone-grafting), the [bone grafts and sinus lifts guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/bone-grafts-and-sinus-lifts), and the glossary on [bone graft material](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bone-graft-material). If you need an extraction first, see [tooth extraction](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-extraction) for what to expect. ## Which option fits which situation, and how do I plan for the cost? Match the option to your situation, with your dentist's help. A bridge may fit when the teeth beside the gap are healthy and strong enough to support it. An implant may fit when you want to avoid shaping nearby teeth and have enough bone, as the American Dental Association describes. A denture may fit when most or all teeth are missing. Use these questions at your visit: 1. What are my options for each missing tooth, and why? 2. What steps and how many visits does each take? 3. How long until I can chew normally? 4. What daily care does it need? 5. What is my personal estimate, and what may my plan cover? Town Center Dental gives each patient a personal estimate and does not publish prices. The [insurance and financing page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/patients/insurance-and-financing) lists what to bring. To book a consultation, [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment) or call (636) 273-5866. ## Tooth Replacement at Town Center Dental - [Dental Implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant) - [Bone Grafting for Dental Implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/bone-grafting) - [Dental Bridge](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bridge) - [Dentures](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures) - [Full Denture Repairs](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/denture-repair) ## Questions about tooth replacement [Read the guideMissing tooth: implant, bridge or partial denture?](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/replacing-a-missing-tooth) ### Dental implants vs dentures: what are the pros and cons? Implants are fixed in the jawbone and need healing time and enough bone. Dentures are removable, can replace many teeth, and need daily cleaning and fit checks. Your dentist weighs your health, bone, goals and budget, and explains both choices. ### Which is better, a bridge or an implant? Neither is better for everyone. A bridge uses the teeth beside the gap. An implant is a post in the jawbone and avoids shaping nearby teeth. The right choice depends on those teeth, your bone and your health. Your dentist can compare them for your mouth. ### How long does it take to replace a missing tooth? It depends on the option. An implant takes months because the bone must heal around it, and a graft adds time. Bridges and dentures usually take a few visits. Your dentist gives a timeline after an exam and scans. ### What happens if I leave a gap? The American Dental Association says a large space between teeth may affect how you speak or eat. Nearby teeth can also shift. Your dentist can talk through what a gap may mean for your bite and your options. ### Am I too old for dental implants? Age alone does not decide it. The American Dental Association says your health is more of a factor than your age. Chronic illness and tobacco use can slow healing. Your dentist reviews your health and your mouth. ### Will insurance cover tooth replacement? It depends on the plan and the option. Coverage differs by plan and by option. Check your plan's limits, deductible and waiting periods, and ask the office for a personal estimate before treatment. ## Related services - [Dental Implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant) - [Dental Bridge](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bridge) - [Dentures](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures) - [Bone Grafting for Dental Implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/bone-grafting) - [Full Denture Repairs](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/denture-repair) ## Sources - [ADA MouthHealthy: Missing teeth](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/missing-teeth) - [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental implants](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/implants) - [ADA MouthHealthy: Bridges](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/bridges) - [ADA MouthHealthy: Dentures](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dentures) - [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Bone Graft](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)