Tooth Replacement in Riverview
A missing tooth changes more than a smile. It changes how you chew your food, how you say certain words, and how the rest of your teeth sit in your mouth over time. Patients from Riverview tell us the same things again and again: they chew on one side only, they hide their smile in photos, or their denture has started to slip at the worst possible moment. Replacing a tooth — or several — is about getting those everyday things back, and there is more than one good way to do it.
Tooth replacement is the general term for restoring teeth that are missing or have been removed. At our Woodhaven office at 22500 Allen Rd., a short drive for most Riverview families, we offer the full range of options under one roof: dental implants, including mini dental implants, implant-supported dentures, bridges, crowns, and complete and partial dentures. Because our team includes five doctors — general dentists, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial pathologist, and a board-certified orthodontist — we can plan and carry out most of the treatment without sending you somewhere else.
Which option fits depends on how many teeth are missing, where they are, the condition of the surrounding teeth and gums, and your bone support. A single missing molar might be handled with an implant and crown, or with a bridge supported by the neighboring teeth. A full lower arch that has never felt stable with a traditional denture may do far better with an implant-supported denture. We also perform bone grafting when the jaw needs more support before implants can be placed, and extractions, both simple and surgical, when a failing tooth needs to come out first.
Most adults who are missing teeth are candidates for some form of replacement, though not every patient is a candidate for every option. Healthy gums matter, so if gum disease is present we typically address it first with scaling and root planing or other gum disease treatment. Bone volume matters for implants, and grafting can often solve that. If a remaining tooth can be saved with root canal therapy and a crown, we will tell you that too — replacement is not always the first answer.
We also see patients who already wear dentures and simply want them to fit and function better. Relines, repairs, and adjustments are all possible because of our on-site dental lab, which also makes same-day dentures and same-day crowns. That lab is one of the biggest practical advantages for Riverview patients: fewer trips back and forth, and adjustments handled in-house rather than mailed out and waited on.
What the Process Looks Like
Treatment starts with a complimentary consultation. We examine your mouth, take X-rays, review your medical history, and talk through the realistic choices along with what each one involves in time and visits. Nothing is decided in that first appointment except what makes sense for you.
- An exam and X-rays to evaluate teeth, gums, and bone
- A discussion of implants, bridges, or dentures based on your situation
- Any preparatory care first — extractions, gum treatment, or bone grafting
- Placement or fabrication of your restoration, with lab work handled on site
- Fitting, adjustment, and follow-up until the bite feels right
Comfort is a priority throughout. We offer nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation for patients who feel anxious about surgical steps, and our comfort menu includes blankets, warm towels, neck pillows, headphones, Netflix, and refreshments. If a tooth breaks or an infection flares before your planned treatment, we offer same-day emergency appointments.
Caring for Replacement Teeth
Implants and bridges are cleaned much like natural teeth — brushing twice daily, flossing or using the tools we recommend around the restoration, and keeping regular cleanings with our hygienist. Dentures need daily cleaning and periodic professional checks, since the jaw shape changes over the years and a reline eventually keeps the fit snug.
We'll set a maintenance schedule that fits you, often including periodontal maintenance if you've had gum treatment. If a denture cracks or a crown feels high, bring it in; our lab means many of those fixes happen quickly rather than over weeks.
Paying for Treatment in Riverview
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and offer a complimentary benefits check so you know your coverage before committing. We also welcome self-pay patients and accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
For patients without insurance, our in-house membership plan is $199 a year for adults and $99 for ages 17 and under, with no annual maximum, no deductibles, no waiting period, and no pre-authorizations. It covers exams, X-rays, two cleanings, and two fluoride treatments at 100%, plus 20% to 50% off other treatment. CareCredit financing is also available. Se habla español — call us to schedule your consultation.