Tooth loss happens and when it involves a front tooth it can be very stressful and frightening. It important to remember that you’re not alone, it does happen and you do have options. A tooth can be lost for many reasons including trauma, advanced gum disease, tooth decay or infection.

Tooth loss – Short Term Options
In the short term after a tooth is either taken out or lost the area must heal before something permanent can be placed. You can discuss the following options with your dentist
- leave space (most wont want to do this at the front of the mouth)
- immediate denture
- temporary bridge
Typical healing period before something long term can be placed is 3-6 months however in a few circumstances an immediate implant can be placed.
Tooth loss – Long Term Options
After the appropriate healing period has taken place a patient has 4 main long term options. Laid out below is some pros and cons of all four options –
Do Nothing (leave the gap)
Pros
– Cheap
– Non-invasive
Cons
– Movement of adjacent teeth can happen tipping and rotating
– Movement of opposing teeth (over-eruption)
– Unsightly at front of mouth
Dentures

Dentures are a removable appliance whose base is constructed in acrylic or metal used to replace 1 or more teeth. Read more here
Pros
- Cost effective, can restore multiple teeth(gaps) at once for same price
- Easy to construct
- Non invasive – no alteration of adjacent teeth
- Can be added to later if more teeth lost
Cons
- Removable must be taken out and left out while sleeping
- Partially or fully covers palate
- Can affect taste
- Affects speech short term
Dental Bridge

A bridge is a fixed appliance attached to adjacent tooth/teeth. Read more about dental bridges here
Pros
- Fixed in place
- Aesthetic
- Quick to construct (typically 2-3 weeks)
- Good long term prognosis
Cons
- Involves adjacent teeth
- Can involving cutting down (alteration) of adjacent tooth/teeth
- Requires solid adjacent teeth
- Limitations as to how many teeth can be placed on bridge
Implant

A dental implant involves the placement of a titanium screw in the jaw bone and attaching a dental prosthesis (crown, bridge, denture) to it. Read more about dental implants here.
Pros
- Fixed in place
- Good long term prognosis
- Can be used to restore wide gaps (several teeth)
- Aesthetically pleasing to the eye
Cons
- Expensive
- Involves surgical procedure
- Healing required post surgical procedure
- Not suitable for all cases
Not sure which options is best for you?? Read some more on these options here https://www.shandondental.ie/our-treatments/
Still not sure??
Book a consult with us so we can talk you through your options with emphasis on your needs – https://www.shandondental.ie/contact-us/
References – Consequences of tooth loss video