Modern Dentistry Options for Every Smile
A single missing tooth, whether it’s a front incisor that shows in every selfie or a back molar that quietly does all the chewing, can throw your entire bite (and confidence) out of balance.
At Lakefront Family Dentistry in Lake Elsinore, Dr. Derek Hauser and Dr. Mark Phillipe offer advanced, adult-focused solutions to replace a missing tooth quickly, comfortably, and permanently.
Below, we’ll walk you through today’s best missing tooth replacement choices, explain why a Nobel Biocare dental implant paired with an in-house CEREC® crown often delivers the greatest long-term value, and show how our same-day emergency dentist care will bridge the gap between trauma and full restoration.
Why Replacing Any Missing Tooth Matters
- Aesthetics: A missing front tooth instantly changes facial harmony and can make speech feel self-conscious.
- Function: A side tooth or molar tooth forces neighboring teeth to over-work, leading to cracks and TMJ strain.
- Bone Preservation: Once a tooth root is gone, the jawbone in that area shrinks up to 25 % in the first year.
- Alignment: Teeth adjacent to the gap tilt inward; the opposing tooth may over-erupt, creating a food trap.
A timely missing tooth replacement stops the domino effect and protects your oral and overall health.
Option Snapshot: How Adults Replace a Missing Tooth Today
| Replacement Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Removable Partial Denture | Quick, lower upfront cost | Bulky acrylic; removable; accelerates bone loss | Short-term fix, multiple gaps |
| Fixed Bridge | Non-removable; moderate cost; 2 visits | Requires grinding two healthy anchor teeth; bone still resorbs under pontic | Patients who decline surgery |
| Nobel Biocare Dental Implant + CEREC Crown | Preserves bone; no impact on neighbor teeth; 95 %+ 10-yr success; looks & feels natural | Surgical step; higher initial fee | Most single-tooth and missing molar cases |
| All-on-4 / All-on-X Full-Arch Implants | Replaces entire arch with just 4–6 implants; fixed bridge; prevents denture sores | Full-arch commitment; higher cost | Multiple failed teeth or terminal dentition |
Nobel Biocare Implant + Same-Day CEREC Crown: The Gold Standard 🦷
- Digital Planning – A 3D CBCT scan maps bone volume, nerves, and sinus position with pinpoint accuracy.
- Gentle Placement – Nobel Biocare’s TiUltra™ surface encourages rapid integration; most adults report only mild post-op soreness.
- CEREC Crown in One Visit – Our twin mills carve a custom porcelain crown while you relax. Shade, contour, and bite are adjusted chairside—no temporary, no second injection.
- Long-Term Value – An implant/crown combo can last decades when paired with routine teeth cleaning and nightly flossing—far longer than bridges or partials.
Tooth Knocked Out? Emergency Dentist to Permanent Implant
Accidents happen—sports collisions, café missteps, even a surprise elbow from a child can send a tooth flying. If you suffer from a missing tooth after trauma:
- Call our Emergency Line – We reserve same-day slots Monday–Friday.
- Store the Tooth in Milk – Moisture keeps ligament cells alive if re-implantation is possible.
- Prompt Assessment – Dr. Hauser or Dr. Phillipe evaluates viability. If the natural root can’t be saved, we discuss immediate Nobel Biocare implant placement to preserve bone and aesthetics.
- Temporary to Definitive – In many cases, a provisional CEREC crown protects the site until full integration, then swaps for the final restoration—seamlessly linking emergency dentist care to long-term implant success.
What About a Missing Front Tooth or Small Gap?
For gaps in the smile line, we often pair the implant crown with neighboring porcelain veneers to perfect shade and symmetry. Tiny diastemas that don’t warrant surgery may close with adult Invisalign®, followed by micro-thin veneers. Every treatment is custom mapped in our digital smile software, so you preview the exact outcome before we begin.
Additional Dental Services
- Compare All-on-4® Dental Implants
- See our same-day crowns
- Beautiful cosmetic veneers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long from extraction to finished implant crown?
Typical timeline is 3 to 4 months for molars and 4 to 6 months for front teeth (bone heals slower in thin facial plates). Immediate placement can shorten that window.
Is a dental implant more expensive than a bridge?
Upfront, yes. Long term, dental implants are often a better solution. Bridges may need replacement every 10 to 15 years and risk decay on anchor teeth.
Will dental insurance help pay for my dental implant and tooth replacement?
Many PPOs cover a portion of surgical placement or the crown. Our coordinators maximize any benefits and explain flexible financing through CareCredit®, Lending Club®, or Affirm®.
What if I have no dental insurance?
No traditional dental insurance? Our annual in-house membership, Plan for Health, bundles exams, X-rays, and cleanings at a standard fee. We give patients 10 % off on restorative care such as Nobel Biocare implants, CEREC crowns, or porcelain veneers. Transparent pricing lets adults budget confidently for premium dentistry.
Does dental implant surgery hurt?
With modern local anesthesia, most patients describe post-op discomfort as “less than an extraction.” OTC pain relievers work well.
Best Dentists in the Inland Empire
Dr. Derek Hauser – 30 + years of restorative expertise; known for gentle injections and an eye for cosmetic detail.
Dr. Mark Phillipe – U.S. Army veteran dentist, bringing surgical precision and a calm, reassuring and calming chairside manner.
Dental Therapy Dogs on Request: Trish, Stella, or Nilla will happily sit chairside, easing anxiety for even the most nervous patient.
Ready to Replace Your Missing Tooth?
Whether you have a single missing side tooth, a visible missing front tooth, or you’re weighing several missing tooth options, our Lake Elsinore team is here to guide you.
Starting today, reclaim full function, protect your bone, and smile with confidence.
Request an appointment through our HIPAA compliant and secure website or call (951) 244-9495 during business hours.
