“Is an implant the best way to replace a missing tooth?”

Not necessarily

Using an implant to replace a single missing tooth is typically the best way. The first thing that must be done is to determine if you have enough bone to place the implant. A 3D cone beam X-ray is the best way to evaluate the bone to make that determination. The boney ridge will shrink away if you wait too long, so evaluating the bone is the most important thing. That being said, make sure that the other teeth are in good shape. It is in your best interest to make sure that you do not have issues with other teeth before focusing on this one missing tooth.

Hi "Missing Tooth",

Nothing fully replaces a lost tooth, but several methods offer excellent simulations of nature.
1. Dental implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth; however before the implant is placed the bone must be evaluated for quantity and quality. Frequently the bone must be first augmented to increase its size. The portion of the implant that is placed directly into the bone is called the "fixture" and is made of pure titanium. The proximity of the fixture to the adjacent teeth and to the surface of the bone is critically important to gain ideal aesthetics. I only trust a handful of surgeons to get the implant in the right spot and being off by so much as a millimeter can severely compromise the final appearance of the final restoration. I've taken all the courses multiple times for placing implants and still prefer to let a surgeon handle this delicate process though I provide a guide to help get it in exactly the right place. Additionally I work with an amazing dental laboratory who can make a crown look exactly like the adjacent teeth though here I also provide a variety of materials to help him understand the minute details that are important in making a restoration look natural. The downsides to implants are the cost ( a single tooth implant can cost as much as $9000 by the time all fees are billed) and the time involved. The typical process from bone augmentation to restoration placement can take up to eight months. Short cut methods are available to save time, but they can be risky and should only be attempted by a doctor with significant experience.
2. Fixed partial denture (Fixed bridge) involves placing crowns on adjacent teeth and connecting them with a false tooth with the three or four teeth being made as a single piece which telescopes over the prepared teeth and is cemented into place. With this system a lost tooth is immediately replaced with a provisional bridge made of acrylic plastic; so the patient never goes without a tooth. The cost is about half that of an implant making it less costly. Depending upon when the tooth was removed the bridge can be completed in two weeks, longer if the bone needs to heal or be augmented. The real downside is that adjacent teeth need to be significantly ground down, and if they are young, healthy teeth they will never be quite the same. Long term (ten years or more) implants are more predictable.
3. Removable partial denture can be made in just a few weeks. The number of teeth being replaced does not affect the fee. The final fee is about a quarter of a single implant crown. So where the cost and time are benefits, the comfort and appearance is the downside. The denture is held in place using metal clasps that wrap around the support teeth and often show in a smile. The teeth are selected from stock mass produced teeth so that the color is seldom perfect.
Which system is best for you depends upon many factors. How good do you want it to look? Is perfection worth the associated fee? How important is comfort? Do you have adequate bone to receive the implant fixture? Is there adequate space between the adjacent teeth to receive the fixture without affecting the adjacent teeth and gums?
I hope this answers some of your questions.

Neal Nealis, DDS

Yes an implant is your best option. It has the best strength, durability and esthetics over any other options.

There are generally three options to replace missing teeth.
1.A removable partial which is a plate you take out to clean and do not sleep with it,it is most economical option and an option for several missing teeth
2. A fixed bridge which is permanent and replaces the missing tooth but needs a tooth to be an anchor on either side of the missing tooth.
3. An implant- good option for single missing tooth and good option as it does not compromise adjacent teeth. Only downside is it can be expensive and requires longer waiting period for healing of each stage, so can take a little while before you get your tooth

It depends on the specific case. There some situations that another option could be a better choice.

If considered from economics perspective, then an implant will give you the best return on your investment even though upfront cost is higher than other modalities. Over total time of use, implant will give you the best return.

An implant is the gold standard for replacing a missing tooth. You can use a bridge which causes damage to surrounding teeth and is difficult to take care of. Removable appliances are a viable option but can be cumbersome, cause pain, and are difficult to get used to. If finances are not an option than an implant is hands down the way to go.

It can be the most natural however all things considered the doctor and patient must agree on whats best for you. Cost, taste sensation, space and health are all issues to consider.

It depends on the situation but generally speaking an implant has the longest life for tooth replacement in research studies and most closely approximates a natural tooth in chewing, and in how you clean it. If you need 1 or only a few teeth replaced then this is what I would do on myself. However you would need a consult to determine if it is possible or there may be other circumstances that another option may be best.

Depends on several issues. See your dentist to weigh the pros and cons of an implant vs a cemented bridge for the replacement of the tooth.

There are many options to replacing a single missing tooth, including: leaving a space, partial denture, dental bridge or an implant. I generally recommend replacing a single missing tooth with an implant. A dental implant is a one tooth solution to a one tooth problem. A dental bridge involves the neighboring teeth and is a three tooth solution to a one tooth problem. Although implants have a higher upfront cost, dental bridges can be far more expensive over a lifetime.

I do not often recommend leaving a space unrestored after a single tooth extraction.

Patients generally do not want a partial denture to replace a single missing tooth.

No, there are many less expensive ways....some are 100% reversible!