Missing teeth replacement in Weybridge

Losing a tooth is more common than most people think. It can happen through decay, gum disease or an accident. Whatever the cause, missing teeth replacement at Post House Dental in Weybridge starts with a conversation about what matters to you. We then look at which options suit your mouth. Every option is subject to a consultation and assessment.

Why missing teeth matter

A single gap at the back of the mouth may not bother you at first. Over time, though, missing teeth can affect more than your smile.

• Chewing becomes harder, which can limit the foods you enjoy.
• Neighbouring teeth can tip or drift into the space. The opposing tooth can also over-erupt. This changes your bite and can make cleaning harder.
• Gaps near the front can affect how you speak.
• The bone that held the tooth gradually shrinks once the root has gone. This can change the shape of the gum and make later replacement more involved.
• Many people simply feel self-conscious about a gap when they smile or laugh.

Replacing a tooth sooner rather than later usually keeps more options open. If you know a tooth is about to be lost, it is worth talking to us before it is removed.

Your options for replacing missing teeth

There is no single right answer. The choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your remaining teeth and gums, the bone available and your budget. We will explain the advantages and drawbacks of each option honestly.

Dentures

A denture is a removable plate carrying one or more replacement teeth. Partial dentures replace some teeth. Full dentures replace all the teeth in an arch. They are the least invasive option and usually the most affordable. They can also be made fairly quickly.

The drawbacks are that dentures can move when you eat or talk. Some people find them uncomfortable at first. A denture rests on the gum, so it does not stop the bone underneath from shrinking. Over time this can loosen the fit. Find out more on our dentures page.

Bridges

A fixed bridge fills a gap by attaching a replacement tooth to the teeth on either side. It is fixed in place, so you do not take it out. The neighbouring teeth usually need to be shaped to support it, which is worth weighing up if those teeth are healthy and unfilled. See fixed bridges for more detail.

Dental implants

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jaw bone where the root used to be. Once it has bonded with the bone it supports a crown that looks and functions much like a natural tooth. Implants do not rely on the neighbouring teeth and they help to maintain the bone around them.

Implants need enough healthy bone and good gum health. Treatment takes longer than a denture or bridge and costs more. In some cases a bone graft is needed first. We plan implants using a 3D CBCT scan taken here at the practice. Read more on our dental implants page.

Implant-retained dentures

If you already wear a denture that moves, implants can help hold it in place. A small number of implants are placed in the jaw. The denture then clips onto them using a bar or magnets. Our over-dentures page explains this in more detail. Another option is a fixed set of teeth attached to the implants that you do not remove at home. Many people find either option more stable for eating and talking than a conventional denture.

How we help you decide

At your consultation we examine your teeth and gums, take x-rays and, where implants are being considered, a 3D scan. We ask how your current teeth or denture affect you day to day. We then talk you through the realistic options, how long each would take and what each would cost.

You receive a written treatment plan with the fees before anything begins. There is no pressure to decide on the day.

The cost of replacing missing teeth

Costs vary widely depending on the option you choose and the number of teeth involved. Our fee list includes:

• Partial acrylic denture: from £750
• Partial chrome denture: from £1,500
• Resin-retained bridge: £975 for 2 units
• Conventional bridge: £875 per unit (a 2 unit bridge is £1,750)
• Implant: £2,950
• Implant crown: £1,650

The final fee depends on your assessment and is confirmed in a written plan first. You can see all our prices on our fees page.

We provide both NHS and private care. We cannot promise that a particular treatment will be available on the NHS, but we will explain your options at your assessment. Online booking is for private appointments only.

Looking after your new teeth

Whichever option you choose, regular check-ups and hygiene visits help your replacement teeth last. Implants and bridges need careful cleaning around the gum line. Dentures need daily cleaning and should be checked regularly for fit, since the gums change shape over time. We will show you how to look after your new teeth and arrange reviews at intervals that suit you.

Results vary from person to person. We will be honest with you about what each option can realistically achieve in your mouth.

Why patients choose Post House Dental

Post House Dental has looked after patients in Weybridge since 1978, from The Old Post House on Heath Road. We have CBCT 3D scanning on site for implant planning. Our dentists use surgical microscopes and magnification in almost all procedures, which helps with precise fitting. We base our recommendations on evidence and on what is right for your mouth, not on the most expensive option. Our article Do I need to replace a missing tooth? answers some common questions.