Missing Teeth Replacement in Los Angeles, CA
Whether you’ve lost one tooth or several, Trident Dentistry can help you restore a complete, confident smile. Dr. Elaine Gorelik offers dental implants and other natural-looking solutions that bring back your ability to eat, speak, and smile with ease.
Request an AppointmentWhy Missing Teeth Matter
Losing a tooth affects far more than your appearance. When a gap is left untreated, neighboring teeth begin to drift and tilt into the open space, throwing off your bite and making teeth harder to clean. The opposing tooth may over-erupt, and without a tooth root to stimulate it, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink. Over time, this bone loss can change the shape of your face and make future tooth replacement more complicated.
Missing teeth can also make it difficult to chew certain foods, affect your speech, and leave you feeling self-conscious when you smile, talk, or laugh.
Common Causes of Tooth Loss
- Advanced gum disease that destroys supporting bone
- Severe tooth decay or infection
- Injury or trauma to the mouth
- Cracked teeth that cannot be restored
- Long-term teeth grinding and wear
- Congenitally missing teeth
Tooth Replacement Options
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. A biocompatible implant post is placed in the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over six to 12 weeks and acts as a new tooth root. A natural-looking crown, bridge, or full-arch restoration is then attached. Because implants stimulate the jawbone, they help prevent bone loss and don’t require altering healthy neighboring teeth. Learn more on our dental implants page.
Implant-supported bridges and hybrid restorations can replace several teeth or an entire arch using just a few implants, providing a secure, non-removable solution. See examples of hybrid and full-mouth implant cases in our Smile Gallery.
Traditional bridges use crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap to support a replacement tooth.
Removable dentures and partials are an option for some patients, though they may slip, affect speech, and do not prevent bone loss the way implants do.
Benefits of Choosing Implants
- Look, feel, and function like natural teeth
- Won’t slip or click when you eat or talk
- Preserve jawbone and facial structure
- Improve comfort, self-esteem, and oral health
- Can last a lifetime with good care
Planning Your Treatment
Using digital X-rays and imaging, we evaluate bone density and overall oral health to determine the best replacement option. Implant surgery is performed right in our office as an outpatient procedure. Ask about CareCredit® financing or Cherry to make treatment more affordable. You can also combine tooth replacement with cosmetic dentistry for a complete smile makeover. See all conditions we treat.
Missing Teeth FAQs
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
Nearby teeth may shift, your bite can change, and the jawbone in the area begins to shrink, which can make future treatment more complex.
What is the best way to replace a missing tooth?
For most patients, a dental implant is the best long-term solution because it replaces the tooth root, preserves bone, and looks and feels natural.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with adequate bone density are good candidates. We will evaluate your bone and gum health with digital imaging.
How long does the implant process take?
After placement, the implant typically needs six to 12 weeks to fuse with the jawbone before the final restoration is attached.
Can implants replace several missing teeth?
Yes. Implant-supported bridges and hybrid restorations can replace multiple teeth or an entire arch.
Is implant surgery painful?
Most patients report less discomfort than with a tooth extraction. Anesthesia is used during the procedure, and over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage any soreness.
Do you offer financing for tooth replacement?
Yes. We offer CareCredit® and Cherry financing so you can spread the cost of treatment over time.
Restore Your Complete Smile
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. Call Trident Dentistry at (310) 444-1445 or request an appointment online to explore your tooth replacement options.