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Remember the excitement of losing your first tooth and anticipating the Tooth Fairy's visit?

Now that you're older, losing a tooth doesn't cause joy; it causes panic, concern and embarrassment. But don't worry. There are plenty of options available to you for replacing that tooth.

Removable Partial Denture. This denture replaces one or more teeth, restores both function and aesthetics, and is removed for cleaning. A removable partial denture can be used as a temporary tooth replacement until an implant can be placed, when a patient has no "tooth in the back" to anchor to, or as a long-term appliance. Advantage: this is the most economical way to replace a tooth. Disadvantages: wear on the teeth that hold the denture in place, the denture collects food, and psychologically, it is a "body part" that comes in and out.

Fixed or Non-Removable Bridge. A lab creates the fixed bridge and it actually looks like several teeth linked together. The bridge is attached to the side or abutment teeth. Advantage: it generally takes two to three visits and the appliance is permanent. Disadvantage: involves the teeth on either side of the space and you can't floss the teeth normally as they are attached together.

Dental Implant. In this procedure, the damaged tooth is removed and grafted. We then wait six months to allow the body to integrate graft material. Next the implant, which is essentially a titanium root, is inserted into the jawbone. We wait another six months for the implant to knit to the bone, then make a custom made crown and place it on the implant. Advantages: they are permanent replacements that look, feel and function just like natural teeth. The patient is able to floss normally and the teeth on either side are not affected. Disadvantages: this is a surgical procedure, and there is often a 12 to 15 month period that the tooth is not usable.

The cost of the implant or fixed bridge is about the same.

Which option is best for you? It's really a decision between your dentist and you. After weighing the different factors, you will decide what makes the most sense for you.