Dental Concerns
Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, bridges, partial or full dentures, or dentures that snap onto implants. The right option depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your remaining teeth and gums, and the bone that supports them. Dr. Jaime Lee provides each of these options at Smile Art and explains which fit your mouth.
Why replace a missing tooth?
Replacing a missing tooth restores your ability to chew and speak comfortably and supports the appearance of your smile. It also helps keep neighboring teeth from drifting into the space and keeps your bite balanced. When the tooth's root is replaced with an implant, the implant also helps preserve the surrounding jawbone.
What are the options for replacing missing teeth?
| Option | What it is | Often fits |
|---|---|---|
| Single-tooth implant | A post in the jawbone topped with a crown | One missing tooth with healthy bone and neighboring teeth |
| Dental bridge | A replacement tooth held by crowns on the neighboring teeth | One or a few missing teeth when neighboring teeth need crowns |
| Partial denture | Removable replacement teeth held by clasps on natural teeth | Several missing teeth with healthy teeth remaining |
| Full denture | A removable set of teeth for a whole arch | All teeth missing in an arch |
| Snap-in dentures | A denture that clips onto implants | A full arch, with more stability than a traditional denture |
| Full mouth dental implants | A fixed set of teeth attached to several implants | A full arch, replaced with teeth that stay in place |
How does Dr. Lee help you choose?
Dr. Lee evaluates the space, your remaining teeth, your gums, and your bone, with X-rays or other imaging when needed. She explains which options fit your mouth and how each affects chewing, appearance, care, and your neighboring teeth.
What if the bone has thinned?
The jawbone can shrink where a tooth has been missing, which can affect an implant. Dr. Lee may recommend a bone graft to rebuild the area before an implant is placed. When a tooth is removed at Smile Art, she can also preserve the bone at the same visit if an implant is planned.
When should you schedule an evaluation?
Schedule an evaluation when a tooth is lost or removed, or when a current bridge or denture no longer fits comfortably. An evaluation soon after a tooth is lost gives you the widest range of options, since the bone and neighboring teeth are still in place. Dr. Lee will review each option with you before any treatment begins.
What affects the cost?
The cost depends on the option you choose, the number of teeth replaced, and any treatment needed first, such as extractions or bone grafting. Many dental plans cover part of a bridge, denture, or implant crown. Before you choose, our team gives you an estimate for each option with your benefits applied.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most natural-feeling way to replace a tooth?
Implants are the closest to a natural tooth because they replace the root as well as the crown. Bridges and dentures are also effective, and Dr. Lee explains which fits your mouth.
Can I replace several missing teeth at once?
Yes. Depending on where the teeth are missing, options include a partial denture, an implant-supported bridge, or a full-arch option.
Do I have to replace a back tooth?
Back teeth do much of the work of chewing, and the teeth around a gap can shift over time. Dr. Lee explains how a missing back tooth affects your bite and your options for replacing it.
How long does tooth replacement take?
Bridges and dentures are usually completed over a few visits, while implants include a healing period before the final tooth is placed. Dr. Lee outlines the timeline for your plan.
Related pages
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.