If you’re missing one or more teeth, know that it’s common and nothing to be ashamed of.
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, about 178 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth, and around 40 million are missing all of their teeth. It’s much more common than most people think—and fortunately, there are solid options for replacing them.
You’ve probably heard of dental implants. They’re a widely used tooth replacement option that functions like artificial tooth roots. Once placed into the jawbone, they can hold a crown, bridge, or denture and help restore natural appearance and chewing function.
While more than 3 million implants are placed every year in the United States, they’re not the only option, and they’re not necessarily the right fit for everyone.
Some people prefer to avoid a surgical procedure. Others might be concerned about healing time, jawbone requirements, or dental implant costs.
If you’re wondering whether there’s a dental implants alternative that makes more sense for your situation, you’re not alone in asking.
Let’s explore your options together, from full and partial dentures to gum disease treatments.
Why Someone Might Want an Alternative to Dental Implants
Dental implants can offer a natural-looking, semi-permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. These have an impressive success rate of up to 97% at 10 years and 75% at 20 years, according to a study in the Journal of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery.
However, they also require a surgical procedure, a healthy jawbone structure, and a good bit of healing time. Although every patient has a slightly different experience, the Cleveland Clinic reports the full healing process can take anywhere from three to nine months.
For some patients, that just doesn’t feel like the right path. Maybe you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone to support a dental implant. Perhaps you’re concerned about cost or are just looking for something simpler to replace missing teeth.
Good news: No matter your reasons, you have alternative options to dental implants after a tooth loss. Here are some of the most popular choices to support your overall oral health and preferences.
Popular Dental Implant Alternatives for Missing Teeth
1. Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge is a common alternative to dental implants. It works by anchoring a replacement artificial tooth (or several teeth) to the natural, healthy adjacent teeth on either side of the gap. These artificial teeth are attached to crowns that are cemented onto the surrounding teeth, helping restore function and appearance.
A. Pros of Dental Bridges:
- Doesn’t involve surgery
- Can be completed relatively quickly
- Blends in well with your adjacent natural teeth
B. Considerations for Dental Bridges:
- May require preparing the adjacent teeth, even if those teeth are healthy
- Doesn’t help preserve jawbone health or prevent bone loss the way an implant might
For many people, though, dental bridges strike a good balance between comfort, appearance, and practicality when replacing missing teeth.
2. Partial Dentures
Unlike dental implants, partial dentures are removable appliances that can replace one or several missing teeth. They fit around your existing teeth and can be taken out for cleaning or sleeping.
These devices include false teeth that rest on a gum-colored base and may be supported by metal clasps or other connectors. Compared to traditional dentures, which are used when all teeth in an arch are missing, partial dentures are ideal when some natural teeth remain. They offer a more targeted solution and tend to be smaller and more lightweight than full dentures.
A. Pros of Partial Dentures:
- Non-surgical approach to tooth loss
- One of the most cost-effective solutions for missing teeth
- Easy to adjust if more of your existing teeth are lost later
B. Considerations for Partial Dentures:
- Can take time to get used to
- Removable appliances may not feel as stable as fixed options
- May need periodic replacement or adjustment
Still, for those looking for flexibility and simplicity, removable dentures can be a smart solution. Compared to dental implants, partial dentures are less permanent but can also be significantly less invasive and more affordable.
3. Full Dentures (For Those Missing All Teeth)
If you’ve experienced tooth loss in the upper or lower jaw, full dentures are a time-tested option besides dental implants. They’re crafted to mimic natural teeth and restore basic chewing function and speaking abilities.
Some patients later choose implant-supported dentures for added stability, but full dentures on their own can still be a strong choice, especially when other options feel out of reach. Compared to dental implants, full dentures are more affordable and non-invasive, though they may require adhesives and periodic adjustments.
4. Maryland Bridge or Resin-Bonded Bridge
These are a more conservative type of dental bridge that uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, which means less tooth structure is affected.
A Maryland bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework that’s bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, offering a solution that requires minimal alteration to your natural teeth. A resin-bonded bridge works similarly, often used to replace front teeth with a conservative, adhesive-based method.
Compared to other tooth replacement options like traditional bridges or partial dentures, Maryland and resin-bonded bridges are less invasive and more tooth-conserving.
A. Pros of Bridges:
- Less invasive procedure than traditional dental bridges
- No need to reshape healthy neighboring teeth as much
B. Considerations for Bridges:
- Not quite as strong as other replacement teeth
- Usually only used for replacing front teeth
Compared to implant-supported bridges, these bonded options are less durable and may not be suitable for back teeth, but they’re a good short-term or aesthetic solution. When compared to dental implants, Maryland and resin-bonded bridges are gentler on surrounding teeth and easier to place, but typically not as long-lasting.
5. Saving a Damaged Tooth with Root Canal Therapy and a Crown
Sometimes, if a natural tooth is damaged but not completely lost, root canal therapy followed by a dental crown placement can save it from gum disease. While this isn’t technically a tooth replacement, it’s a way to avoid removing the tooth in the first place—something many people don’t realize is possible.
In cases where gum disease has led to infection or inflammation in the tooth’s pulp, a root canal can remove the damaged tissue, eliminate infection, and preserve the natural tooth structure. By placing a crown afterward, the tooth is protected and restored, helping you avoid tooth loss and the potential need for a dental implant.
Talk to your dentist to learn if a root canal could be an alternative to dental implants for your situation and general oral health.
So… What’s the Best Tooth Replacement Option Besides Dental Implants?
Honestly? That depends on you. Your dental health, your comfort level with procedures, your budget, and even your existing teeth all matter here.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to replacing missing teeth, and that’s a good thing. It means we can find a solution that works just right for your smile and your life, whether that’s dental implants or something else entirely.
At Hickory Dental, we take the time to understand what matters most to our patients in North Carolina. Whether you’re thinking about a dental bridge, partial dentures, or just want to learn more about your artificial tooth replacement options, our dental practice is here to walk you through everything with honesty, empathy, and care.
Let’s figure it out together. Give us a call at 828-328-6118 or book a tooth replacement consultation at our Hickory office. We’re happy to help with every aspect of maintaining healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.