If you’re wondering how do you replace a tooth, the basic answer is: with a solution that restores chewing, looks like a natural tooth, and protects nearby teeth and bone. The four common options are dental implants, fixed bridges, removable partial dentures, and resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges or flippers. This post compares each by cost, time, durability, and upkeep so you can weigh what fits your health, timeline, and budget.
Option 1: Dental Implant (Crown on an Implant)
A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone with a crown attached after healing. Implants look and function most like a natural tooth and help preserve jawbone. Typical timeline runs from implant surgery to a final crown in 3–6 months, longer if a bone graft is needed. Pros: long-lasting (many decades with care), stable for chewing, and protects nearby teeth. Cons: higher upfront cost, surgical procedure, and longer healing time.
Option 2: Fixed Dental Bridge
A fixed bridge uses crowns on the teeth beside the gap to hold a replacement tooth in place. Bridges are quicker than implants and feel fixed, which many patients like. Pros: faster treatment timeline (often 2–3 visits), good esthetics, and no surgery. Cons: healthy adjacent teeth must be reshaped for crowns, and the bone under the missing tooth can still shrink over time. Bridges typically last 7–15 years before repair or replacement.
Option 3: Removable Partial Denture
A removable partial denture is an appliance that replaces one or more teeth and clips onto remaining teeth with clasps or precision attachments. Pros: lowest upfront cost, non-invasive, and easy to adjust if you lose more teeth. Cons: feels less natural, must be removed and cleaned daily, can affect speech and comfort, and usually needs periodic relining or replacement. Good short-term or budget-friendly option.
Option 4: Resin-Bonded (Maryland) Bridge / Flipper
A resin-bonded (Maryland) bridge has thin wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth and is a conservative way to replace a front tooth. A flipper is a simple removable temporary tooth. Pros: minimal tooth prep, low cost, and quick to deliver—good for small gaps or front teeth. Cons: less durable under heavy bite forces, wings can debond, and not ideal for molars or long-term chewing demands.
Which Option Is Best?
Durability & Longevity
Implants usually last the longest and resist decay because they’re not real teeth. Fixed bridges and bonded bridges can last several years with good care. Removable dentures and flippers need more frequent maintenance and replacement.
Cost & Insurance
Costs vary: dentures and bonded bridges are lowest, fixed bridges mid-range, and implants highest upfront. Insurance may cover parts of bridges or dentures but often limits implant coverage. Over time, an implant can be more cost-effective due to longevity.
Oral Health & Bone Preservation
Only implants replace the tooth root and stimulate the bone, slowing jawbone loss. Bridges and dentures do not stop bone loss under the missing tooth.
Time & Recovery
Implants require surgery and months for healing. Bridges and bonded options are faster, often finished in weeks; dentures are usually the quickest to fit.
How Dental Care Solutions Can Help
Dental Care Solutions in Bradenton, Florida offers implants, bridges, and denture options. The team uses digital tools like the iTero scanner and WaterLase laser to improve comfort and precision. Bilingual staff and financing options help make treatment easier to access. Dr. Mesia and Dr. Gonzalez provide personalized plans for restorative and cosmetic needs.
To decide which is best, schedule an exam and X-rays so a dentist can review your bone, neighboring teeth, budget, and goals. If you’re asking how do you replace a tooth in Bradenton, Florida, contact Dental Care Solutions for a personalized plan and financing options.