Tooth Replacement Options
Missing teeth can impact everything from how you chew and speak to how confident you feel about your smile. Fortunately, there are several effective tooth replacement solutions available today—ranging from temporary fixes to long-term restorations. At South Mississippi Oral Surgery & Implant Center in Gulfport, MS, we work closely with you to determine which option best suits your oral health, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Our team of board-certified oral surgeons will evaluate your dental needs and guide you through every step of the tooth replacement process. Whether you’re missing one tooth or many, restoring your smile is key to preserving jawbone health, maintaining bite alignment, and improving daily function. Below are the most common options available to Gulfport patients.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a non-removable dental prosthetic that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It’s anchored to neighboring teeth, which are usually reshaped to support crowns on either side of the artificial tooth (pontic). Bridges are effective for short-span tooth loss and can restore function and appearance. However, they require altering healthy adjacent teeth and don’t address jawbone loss underneath the gap.
Flipper
A flipper is a temporary, removable partial denture often used as a placeholder while a more permanent solution is being prepared. Made from lightweight acrylic, flippers are affordable and easy to wear but are not meant for long-term use. They offer limited stability and can feel bulky or less natural in the mouth.
Metal Partial
A metal partial denture is a more durable option than a flipper and is commonly used to replace multiple teeth. It uses a metal framework with gum-colored acrylic and artificial teeth attached. Metal clasps anchor the denture to your remaining teeth for stability. While more comfortable and secure than flippers, metal partials are still removable and may not feel as natural as fixed options.
Denture
Full dentures are used when all teeth in an arch (upper or lower) are missing. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place. While affordable and widely available, they can slip or become uncomfortable over time—especially as the jawbone beneath them shrinks. Dentures may restore your smile, but they don’t prevent bone loss or offer the chewing strength of more advanced restorations.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most advanced and natural-feeling solution for replacing missing teeth. Surgically placed in the jawbone, implants act as artificial tooth roots and can support crowns, bridges, or even full dentures. They stimulate the bone, help preserve facial structure, and offer unmatched durability and function. Implants look, feel, and perform like real teeth, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
While every tooth replacement option has its place, dental implants offer significant advantages over traditional alternatives. Here’s why many Gulfport patients choose implants as their long-term solution:
- Preserve Jawbone — Implants prevent the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing.
- Long-Term Value — Although the initial investment is higher, implants last longer and rarely require replacement.
- No Damage to Other Teeth — Unlike bridges, implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support.
- Superior Stability — Implants stay firmly in place—no slipping or adhesive required.
- Natural Appearance & Function — They restore full biting force and look just like natural teeth.
At South Mississippi Oral Surgery, we offer advanced planning, precise surgical techniques, and customized treatment plans to ensure every implant patient receives the highest level of care and long-term success.