Are the neighbours healthy?
If the teeth beside the gap are sound, an implant leaves them untouched. If they already need crowns, a bridge may suit.
Your options, Portland
Missing tooth replacement in Portland: an implant, a bridge or a partial denture.
There are three common ways to replace a missing tooth. Each works differently, costs differently and asks different things of you and your neighbouring teeth. We lay all three side by side, tell you what the scan shows, and let you choose.
- 3 optionsexplained side by side
- No pressurenothing is decided at the first visit
- In writingyour choice, phased and costed
The idea
The best way to replace a tooth is the one you understand, can look after and can afford, not the one that is easiest to sell.
Compared
Implant, bridge and partial denture, side by side.
A general guide to the trade-offs. Your scan and exam decide what suits you.
| What matters | Dental implant | Bridge | Partial denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it replaces | The root and the tooth | The tooth, using neighbours | The tooth, resting on gum and teeth |
| Neighbouring teeth | Left alone | Shaped to carry the bridge | Clasps may sit on them |
| Visits and time | Several months, in stages | About two visits | A few visits |
| Taken out to clean | No | No | Yes |
| Cost shape | Higher at the start | Mid-range | Usually the lowest at the start |
| Bone beneath the gap | Kept stimulated | Not stimulated | Not stimulated |
How to choose
Four questions that point to the right option.
Is there enough bone?
Implants need bone. If it is thin, a graft or a different option comes into the plan.
How long can you wait?
Implants take months. A bridge or a partial denture is quicker.
What do you want to look after?
Implants and bridges are cleaned in place. A partial denture comes out daily. Choose what fits your routine.
How we help
How we help you decide.
-
01
We look and scan
An exam and a 3D scan show the bone, the gum and the neighbouring teeth.
-
02
We lay out the options
You get each option explained in plain words, with what it involves and what it costs.
-
03
You take time
Nothing is decided at the first visit. Take the plan home, ask questions, get a second opinion if you like.
-
04
We put your choice in writing
Once you decide, the phases, the dates and the estimate go on paper.
Keep reading
Go deeper on each option.
Do I have to replace a missing tooth?
Not always, but gaps can let neighbouring teeth drift and change your bite. Teeth at the back and teeth you chew with are the ones most worth replacing. We tell you what we see.
Which option lasts longest?
It depends on your mouth, your cleaning and your bite, so we do not promise a number. We explain the factors for each option. Results vary.
Is an implant always the best choice?
No. It is a strong option for many people, but not for everyone. Bone, gum health and budget all play a part, and a bridge or a partial denture can be the right answer.
Can I get a second opinion?
Of course. You leave the consultation with a written plan, and you are welcome to take it to another dentist.
What if the tooth is already out and the gap is old?
Bone shrinks over time after a tooth is lost. The scan shows how much is left and whether a graft would help. Many people still have a good option.
How much will each option cost?
We do not list prices on this site. The written estimate after your consultation shows each option you are considering, so you can compare.
Portland, Oregon
See the whole plan before you decide.
An implant consultation is an exam, a 3D scan and a conversation. You leave with a written, phased plan and an estimate. Nothing is decided that day.
| Monday to Thursday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Friday | 8:00 am to 1:00 pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed |