Missing A Tooth?
It’s easy to put off replacing a missing tooth—especially if it’s not front and center. But even a small gap can have an impact on your smile and oral health. You might start chewing differently, notice some shifting, or feel less confident when smiling for photos. The good news is that it doesn’t have to stay that way. If you’ve been living with a space in your smile, we’re here to help.
Keep reading to learn why replacing missing teeth matters and what your options are for restoring your smile.
Why Tooth Replacement Matters
Every tooth plays an important role in your oral health. When one goes missing, nearby teeth often begin to shift into the open space. That change can throw off your bite, cause uneven wear, and even lead to jaw pain or TMJ symptoms. There’s also what happens below the surface. Without a root to stimulate the bone, the jawbone in that area can break down. It’s not something you’ll notice immediately, but it can impact your long-term health and facial structure. That’s why tooth replacement is about more than just appearance—it’s also about preserving the strength and stability of your whole smile.
Tooth Replacement Options at McMillan Family Dental
We offer several options to help restore your smile and confidence. The right choice for you will depend on your goals, preferences, and overall dental health. Here’s what we may recommend:
Dental Implants
A dental implant is one of the most reliable and natural-looking ways to replace a missing tooth. A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone to act as a new root, then topped with a custom crown, bridge, or denture. We use guided implant surgery to plan and place implants with greater precision. That means better outcomes, faster healing, and more predictable results.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini implants work well for replacing a single tooth when space or bone density is limited. They’re less invasive and often allow for a quicker recovery—with the crown sometimes placed on the same day.
Dental Bridges
If implants aren’t the right fit for you, a dental bridge can provide a fixed, natural-looking solution. A bridge uses the neighboring teeth for support and fills the gap with a lifelike replacement. It restores your ability to chew comfortably and helps keep nearby teeth from shifting out of place.
Why Many Patients Choose Dental Implants
While all of our replacement options restore appearance and function, implants offer some unique long-term benefits:
- They help preserve the jawbone and prevent further bone loss
- They feel stable and natural without the movement of replaceable options
- They’re easy to care for, with no special maintenance needed
- With good care, they can last for decades or even a lifetime
Let’s Restore What’s Missing
If you’re ready to explore your tooth replacement options, we’re here to help. We’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and recommend the next best steps. Contact our dental office in Meridian, ID to schedule your consultation.
