Smiling middle-aged couple posing together, demonstrating confident, healthy smiles after tooth replacement treatment.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.

Who would want their appearance and health to deteriorate? That’s the natural consequence of missing teeth – the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Your dentist and the implant surgeon will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.

Tooth Replacement Options

You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions.

A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.

Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.

Flipper

A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.

Metal Partial

A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.

Denture

The most common solution, for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws are complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.

3D dental implant illustration showing two titanium implants positioned in jawbone with replacement teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.

Why Select Dental Implants over More Traditional Types of Restorations?

There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Missing Teeth Options

Your teeth affect your whole body — when they're healthy, you're healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech, and eating choices. As you rely more heavily on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely or become damaged or lost. Missing teeth can also contribute to headaches and jaw pain. Beyond function, an untreated gap allows the supporting jawbone to deteriorate, which affects both your appearance and long-term oral health. Dr. Cavallari helps patients throughout Virginia Beach understand and choose the right tooth replacement option.

When a tooth is lost, the jaw literally begins to melt away. Generally, people lose about 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. This occurs because the root of the natural tooth is no longer present to stimulate the bone. Because of this, dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted — bone replacement becomes more complex the longer a tooth is missing. Addressing tooth loss promptly helps preserve your bone structure, oral health, and appearance.

There are several options available, ranging from temporary to long-lasting solutions. These include a fixed bridge, a flipper, a metal partial, a complete denture, and dental implants. Each option differs in durability, comfort, cost, and how well it preserves your remaining teeth and bone. Dr. Cavallari and your general dentist will provide you with the information you need to make the most informed decision about which solution is right for your situation.

A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth that is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. To support the bridge, the protective outer layer of these neighboring teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attachment. While a bridge is a fixed, non-removable solution, it does require altering healthy adjacent teeth, which is an important consideration when weighing your options.

Complete dentures are the most common solution for people missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws. Some people adapt well to dentures, while others find them uncomfortable or even intolerable due to differences in jaw size and shape. Dentures are removable and, while they restore appearance and basic function, they do not stimulate the jawbone the way natural teeth or implants do — which means bone loss continues over time. For many patients, implant-supported solutions offer a more stable and comfortable alternative.

Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike a bridge, which can sacrifice the structure of surrounding healthy teeth, implants stand on their own without damaging neighboring teeth. Unlike dentures and partials, implants are fixed in place — no removing them at night, no slipping, and no embarrassment. Implants form a strong foundation, keep the jaw healthy and strong, and can last a lifetime with proper care. Implant-supported replacement teeth are attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.

A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or anyone unhappy with their current dentures — and age is not a determining factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether the bone can accommodate implants, and detailed imaging may be needed to determine if additional tests or procedures are required to place implants properly. Dr. Cavallari will assess your candidacy during your consultation.

No — age is not a factor in determining whether you are a candidate for dental implants. What matters most is your overall health, the condition of your jawbone, and the health of your gum tissue. Many older adults are excellent implant candidates and benefit greatly from the stability and quality-of-life improvements that implants provide. Dr. Cavallari evaluates each patient individually rather than basing candidacy on age.

Missing Teeth Options in Virginia Beach, VA

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

Tooth Replacement Options

Fixed Bridge

Flipper

Metal Partial

Denture

Dental Implants

Why Select Dental Implants over More Traditional Types of Restorations?

Frequently Asked Questions About Missing Teeth Options

Are You Ashamed of Showing Your Missing Teeth?

What Our Patients are Saying

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