Updated on September 16, 2025
If you have a missing tooth, you know it can impact more than just your smile's appearance. It can affect your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers excellent solutions to restore your smile to its full beauty and function. At Clarkson Dental Group, we've helped over 5,000 patients in the Chesterfield, MO area find the right tooth replacement option for their needs.
Here's a look at some of the most popular choices we offer.
1. Dental Implants: The Gold Standard for a Natural Feel
Dental implants are widely considered the best long term solution for a missing tooth. An implant consists of a small titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone, creating a strong and stable foundation. We then place a custom-made crown on top.
- Benefits: Because they replace the entire tooth from the root up, dental implants look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. They also prevent the bone loss that can occur after a tooth is removed, preserving the shape of your jaw.
2. Dental Bridges: A Fixed Solution to Close the Gap
A dental bridge is a popular choice for replacing one or more missing teeth. It is a fixed restoration that literally "bridges" the gap in your smile. A dental bridge consists of a series of crowns, with a false tooth (or teeth) in the middle. The crowns are cemented onto the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, holding the false tooth securely in place.
- Benefits: A dental bridge is a permanent solution that is cemented in place. It can restore your ability to chew and speak properly while preventing the remaining teeth from shifting into the empty space.
3. Partial Dentures: A Removable and Affordable Option
A partial denture is a removable appliance used when a patient still has some natural teeth. It consists of a gum-colored base with replacement teeth attached. It is held in place with clasps or other attachments that connect to your remaining natural teeth.
- Considerations: Partial dentures are a great non-surgical option and are often more affordable than fixed restorations. However, some patients find them less comfortable at first and may notice they feel bulkier than a fixed bridge or implant.
Find Your Best Tooth Replacement Option in Chesterfield, MO
Choosing the right option depends on your oral health, budget, and personal goals. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott Mahlin to discuss which solution is best for you.
We are proud to serve the communities of Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ellisville, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, and Ballwin. To get started, you can book an appointment online or give our office a call. We also offer an exclusive membership club for our patients. We look forward to helping you restore your smile!