Whether from decay, injury, or gum disease, it can happen to anyone: an adult tooth either comes out or must be removed. While no one wants to have a missing tooth, the good news is that there are many options for safely and efficiently replacing one. Coulee Family Dental is here to explain your options.

Here are three common ways to replace a missing tooth:

• Dental Implant: This option replaces the root of the tooth through a small titanium post. It is placed directly into the bone socket, and the jawbone heals and grows around it. A small connector post is then installed. The replacement tooth, or crown, is attached to the connector post. Through this process, you’ll receive a durable and firmly-implanted false tooth that’s virtually undetectable against your other teeth.

• Bridge: A bridge consists of one or more false teeth, which are inserted via crowns or caps on surrounding natural anchor teeth. When there is at least one tooth remaining in the upper or lower jaw, bridges can often be used to replace them.

• Partials: Partial dentures are false, removable replacement teeth with a plastic or metal base. Your dentist may recommend a partial if you are missing one or more teeth.

If you have a missing tooth or teeth and would like to discuss your options with one of the dentists at Coulee Family Dental, call (608) 782-3102. You can also visit the practice’s website for more information.