(214) 644-0010(214) 644-00132865 McDermott Road, Suite 220, Plano, TX 75025Dr.Lakhani@softtouchdentist.net
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Home/Dental Procedures/Dental Implants/Replacing Missing Teeth

Replacing Missing Teeth

Replacing Missing Teeth in Plano, TX

Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can disrupt your bite, speech, and eating choices. As you rely more on remaining teeth, you increase the chances they’ll wear out prematurely, become damaged, or even be lost. Many patients also experience headaches or jaw pain over time.

Who would want their appearance and health to decline? Unfortunately, that’s a natural consequence of missing teeth — the jaw literally shrinks. In fact, most people lose about 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. That’s why replacing teeth promptly is so important.

The good news? Dental implants placed by a skilled Prosthodontist like Dr. Lakhani in Plano act just like your natural teeth. They preserve your bone structure, maintain oral health, and keep your appearance youthful. Dr. Lakhani and our team will discuss all your options so you can make an informed decision about tooth replacement.

Tooth Replacement Options

You can choose from several ways to replace missing teeth — from temporary to long-lasting solutions.

A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth or unhappy with their dentures. Age isn’t a limiting factor. However, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and radiation therapy to the jaw area can lower implant success rates. To plan your care, Dr. Lakhani will take X-rays of your jaw to see if implants are possible. Sometimes detailed scans are needed to determine whether additional procedures might be required.

Don’t let missing teeth impact your life

Explore Dental Implants
Illustration of a dental implant and crown replacing a missing tooth

Our Dental Treatments

01

Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. It’s cemented into place on top of the teeth next to the gap. Typically, the protective outer layer of these supporting teeth must be removed or reshaped before attaching the bridge.

02

Flipper

A flipper is a fragile, temporary, and inexpensive option: a removable plastic tooth with a small plastic retainer. While it can restore appearance quickly, it’s best as a short-term solution.

03

Metal Partial Denture

A metal partial denture offers more strength than a flipper. Made of metal and plastic, it stays in place with small wire clasps. This partial can be removed and reinserted by the patient as needed.

04

Full Denture

For people missing all teeth in one or both jaws, complete dentures are the most common solution. Some adapt well to dentures. Others may find them uncomfortable or unstable due to natural differences in jaw size and shape.

05

Dental Implants

Dental implants are today’s most comfortable, durable, and long-term solution. They form a strong foundation in the jaw, preserving bone and supporting either single replacement teeth or specialized implant-retained dentures. Unlike bridges, implants do not damage healthy neighboring teeth. And unlike most bridges or partials, implants are designed to last a lifetime — offering attractive, stable, and secure results for nearly any patient.

Why Choose Dental Implants Over Traditional Options?

There are several reasons:

A dental bridge often sacrifices healthy structure from the surrounding teeth to support the replacement.

Removable dentures or partials must be taken out nightly, which can be inconvenient.

Dentures that slip or move may become uncomfortable — or even embarrassing.

With implant-supported teeth, you can smile, speak, and eat with total confidence — all while protecting your jawbone and long-term health.

Illustration of a natural tooth beside a dental implant anchored in the jawbone

Ready to Restore Your Smile with Plano’s Leading Prosthodontist?

Discover advanced implant, cosmetic, and restorative care — all under the expert hands of Dr. Lakhani.

Proudly serving Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Prosper, Melissa, Celina, and surrounding communities with exceptional care that truly lasts.