Missing Tooth? How to fill the space

Whether you have lost a tooth due to tooth decay, trauma or gum disease, DON’T PANIC! At Coatbridge Family Dental Care, we’re here to help you find the best way to fill the space from your missing tooth.  

Missing tooth problems  

A missing tooth impacts people in different ways. These are the most common things that our patients tell us they worry about when they’ve lost a tooth.  

1. Lack of confidence  

If you are missing tooth that causes a gap in your smile, you may find that you have lost the confidence you used to have. Our patients tell us that that they cover their mouths when they smile or that they hate having their picture taken. If that sounds familiar, read on to see how we can help. 

2. Difficulty eating  

Losing a tooth anywhere in your mouth can make eating more difficult. You might be unable to eat some of the foods you really like. Or you may avoid going out with friends for meals because it can be embarrassing not being able to chew properly.  

3. What will happen to the teeth on either side?  

Maybe you’ve noticed the teeth on either side of your space have begun to move or tilt. Or perhaps the opposing tooth has started growing down into the space. You might find this looks unsightly. With time these areas can become more difficult to keep clean and cause decay in the remaining teeth.  

How we can fill the space  

Nowadays we have several options available to fill the space left by a missing tooth. Replacing a missing tooth can help to restore your confidence and allow you to eat what you want.  

1. Dental Implants  

Dental implants are the next best thing to your own natural tooth.  They are the gold standard for replacing a missing tooth.

Dental implants are safe, strong and secure. Our patients tell us they feel and function like your own tooth.  

Here’s our Implant Dentist, Keith, explaining exactly what a dental implant is.

This is also a great little video showing how an implant is placed.

A dental implant is a small screw made of titanium that we use to replace the missing root of your tooth (we hide this under your gum).  

We then create a bespoke crown or bridge to fit on top of the implant. This replaces the crown of your tooth or teeth (the white part you can see in your mouth). We can make this look just like the tooth you have lost (or even better!)   

We can also use several implants to support a slimline denture or a large bridge if you have lots of teeth or all your teeth missing.  

Implants, like your own teeth, can last as long as you care for them.  

Our patients tell us that they, quite literally, transform their lives.  

Robert’s missing teeth story

Robert lost three teeth and was very self-conscious when he smiled. He loves the fact that he can now smile with confidence and his implants feel just like his own teeth.  

Find out about the impact that dental implants have had on some of our other patients. 

Implants are an investment in your quality of life and your wellbeing.  

We treat every person as an individual. The cost of implants varies depending on what treatment is best suited for you.  

Find out more about the cost of implants here. 

2. Bridge

A dental bridge is a false tooth which we fix into the mouth. We do this by cementing or bonding it onto the teeth on either side of the space.  

There are two types of bridge  

• Fixed bridge  

The teeth on either side of the space are cut down to allow crowns to be cemented over them. We attach a false tooth between the two crowns to fill the space of the missing tooth.  

Cutting away so much tooth tissue can have an impact on the nerves of these teeth, putting them at risk of being lost in the future. So this might be a good choice if the teeth on either side of the space already have large fillings or crowns. But if these teeth are healthy and free from decay or fillings, it will be better to find another option for your space.

• Adhesive bridge  

The teeth on either side of the space have some tooth removed to allow space for wings. These wings bond (stick) to the teeth on either side of the space. A false tooth is attached between the two wings to fill the space.  

This is less destructive to the teeth on either side of the space. So they may be less likely to be lost in the future. 

3. Partial denture  

A partial denture is a device made of metal or acrylic which fits into your mouth. It has a false tooth attached to fill the space of your missing tooth. The number of teeth you have missing will determine the size of the denture. There may be clasps over some of your other teeth to help keep the denture in place.  

We have some patients who successfully wear a partial denture, but many people are embarrassed by dentures, worry about them falling out or find them uncomfortable to wear.

How do I decide how to fill the space left by my missing tooth?

As you can see there are several options available to fill the space left by a missing tooth. We’d love to help you decide which option would give you your confidence and your smile back.

We offer a free, hour-long, consultation with our Patient Care Coordinators. They will listen to the problems you are having and the result you are looking for. Then they will help you to find the solution that suits your life and gives you your best smile. Our dentists will then make it happen for you.