Missing teeth

If the tooth is still present, does it need to be removed?

A recommendation to replace a tooth starts with understanding why it may not be maintainable. Ask what could be achieved by keeping it, what care that would require, and how those choices compare with removal and replacement. Planning should include both the tooth and the rest of your dental care.

What changes when a tooth is missing?

Bone in the empty space can shrink over time. Nearby teeth may shift, and the bite can change. The effect depends on where the gap is and the surrounding teeth.

Ask what changes are possible in your situation and what should be monitored if you leave the space.

What are the options for replacing a tooth?

Options may include an implant, a bridge, a removable partial denture, or no replacement for now. Each has different requirements and upkeep.

An implant is a post placed in the bone that supports a replacement tooth. Treatment often happens in stages, allowing healing around the implant before the final tooth is attached. The dental implant guide explains each step.

One option is a conventional bridge supported by crowns on neighboring teeth. The replacement tooth is attached to those crowns, so you do not remove it for cleaning. Ask which bridge design would fit your mouth.

A removable partial denture replaces one or more teeth and is taken out for cleaning. Its design depends on the remaining teeth and the space being restored.

Leaving the space may be reasonable in some cases. Discuss the effect on chewing and the surrounding teeth before deciding.

How is the choice made?

Dr. Smith assesses the remaining teeth, gums, bone, health history, and your priorities. The condition of the supporting bone matters for an implant. The health of neighboring teeth matters for a tooth-supported bridge. Cost and daily care matter too.

For an implant, planning includes both the implant in the bone and the replacement tooth attached to it. Dr. Smith places the implant; he does not make the replacement tooth. The dentist who referred you makes it, or, if you came without a referral, the general dentist at the practice where you see Dr. Smith.

What treatment can and cannot do

A replacement can improve chewing and appearance. Every replacement needs cleaning and regular checks, and repairs or replacement may be needed over time.

An implant can develop problems with the surrounding tissue or its components. A conventional bridge requires work on supporting teeth and cleaning underneath it. A partial denture may need adjustment if it rubs or its fit changes.

What happens if you wait?

Changes in the bone and neighboring teeth can make replacement more involved later. Monitoring can be reasonable after a dentist assesses the space and discusses what to watch for.

If you are considering an implant later, ask whether waiting could change the options in your case.

What does it cost?

Each office sets its own consultation fee, so ask when you book. Your treatment estimate depends on what the examination finds.

Ask for an estimate for each option you are considering. For an implant, check whether it covers the implant, the connector, and the replacement tooth, and whether any separate procedures are included. If two offices are involved, ask for the costs from both.

Questions to bring to a consultation

• Which options would work for me?
• If the tooth is still present, can it be maintained?
• What steps would each option involve?
• Can the bone support an implant in my case?
• What happens if I leave the space?
• Who provides each part of treatment, and what does each part cost?

Sources for this guide

• FDA: dental implants, components, benefits, and risks
• American Dental Association: bridges
• American Dental Association: partial dentures

Authorship and clinical review

Written and reviewed by John L. Smith, DDS, MS, periodontist. Last reviewed September 28, 2026.