Replacing A Missing Tooth: Best Options

Lost a tooth. You have kind and proven choices to fill the space and keep your bite healthy. This guide shows the main options, how long they take, and simple ways to choose.

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Quick answer

Dental implant feels like a natural tooth and does not drill neighbors.
Dental bridge is fast and fixed. It can suit when neighbors already need crowns.
Partial denture is the budget friendly choice. Good as a step toward a long term plan.
If the gap is small and no tooth is missing, Invisalign or composite bonding can close spaces.

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Your options explained

Single dental implant

A small titanium post supports a custom crown. It protects bone and nearby teeth. Learn about dental implants in Ludlow.

Implant bridge

Two or more implants can support several teeth. Helpful when more than one tooth is missing.

Conventional bridge

Crowns on the neighbors hold a false tooth in the middle. See our dental bridge service.

Adhesive bridge

A wing is bonded to the back of a neighbor tooth. Often minimal shaping. Good for front tooth gaps.

Partial denture

A removable plate with one or more teeth. Metal or modern flexible types are available. See dentures.

Aligners or bonding

If no tooth is missing and the gap is spacing, clear aligners or composite bonding can close it without surgery.

If you have sudden pain or a broken tooth, see our emergency dentist in Ludlow.

Options at a glance

Option	Best for	Tooth drilling	Feel	Daily care	Notes
Single dental implant	One missing tooth with healthy neighbors	No drilling of neighbors	Feels most like a natural tooth	Brush and clean between. Regular check ups	Long term value. Needs time to heal before the final crown
Implant bridge	Several missing teeth	No drilling of neighbors	Fixed and stable	Daily clean under the bridge span	Strong support with fewer implants than teeth
Conventional bridge	Gap where neighbors suit crowns	Yes on neighbors	Fixed and quick	Clean under the middle tooth with floss threaders	Good speed. May not suit perfect healthy neighbors
Adhesive bridge	Small front gaps	Very minimal	Fixed	Regular clean. Watch sticky foods at first	Great for younger smiles or as a short to medium plan
Partial denture	Budget and short timeline	No drilling in most cases	Removable	Remove to clean	Good starter solution while you plan implants or bridges

Typical timelines

Option	How long it usually takes	Steps
Single dental implant	Several months from placement to final crown	Checks and scans, placement, healing, custom crown
Conventional bridge	Often 2 visits across 2 to 3 weeks	Prep and scan, lab work, fit
Adhesive bridge	Often 1 to 2 visits	Minimal prep, scan, fit
Partial denture	About 2 to 4 weeks	Impressions, try in, fit and fine tune
Implant bridge	Months, similar to single implant with extra lab steps	Planning, placement, healing, bridge fit

How to choose the right plan

Think long term value and daily care you can keep up.
Protect healthy teeth where you can.
Match the plan to your goals for look, feel, and speed.
Ask for a clear written plan and quote. See our dental fee guide.
Keep gums healthy with regular check ups and hygiene visits.

Implant dentist in Ludlow Dental bridge in Ludlow Dentures in Ludlow

FAQs

A single dental implant often feels most like a natural tooth since it replaces the root and crown without resting on neighbors.

A conventional or adhesive bridge is usually faster than an implant since it avoids healing time.

We can plan grafts or angled implants. Some people suit All on implants for several missing teeth.

Implants do not drill neighbors. Conventional bridges need shaping of the teeth next to the gap. Adhesive bridges are minimal.

Costs vary by option and case needs. Please see our dental fee guide and ask for a written quote after checks.

Yes. Many people use a partial denture as a short step while planning implants or a bridge.