Tooth replacement restores the look and function of one or more missing teeth, and at Advanced Dentistry of Coral Springs we provide it for teens, adults and seniors. Maybe a back tooth was pulled years ago and chewing has shifted to one side. Maybe a partial no longer fits, or a front tooth cracked and could not be saved. Whatever brought you here, the first step is the same: we look at your whole mouth and talk through which option fits your teeth, your health and your goals.
A missing tooth can be replaced in several ways, and the right choice depends on how many teeth are gone, where they are, and the condition of the teeth and bone around them. For a single tooth, we may recommend a dental implant topped with a crown, or a bridge that anchors a replacement tooth to the neighboring teeth. When several teeth are missing, a partial denture or an implant-supported bridge can fill the space. For a full arch, options include complete dentures, implant-supported dentures, and full-arch implant treatment.
Each approach has tradeoffs. A bridge is often completed without surgery but involves shaping the adjacent teeth. An implant stands on its own but requires healthy bone, and some patients need bone grafting first. A removable partial or denture can be a practical choice for many seniors and is easy to adjust over time. We also repair and replace existing dentures, so if yours are worn or loose, we can help you decide whether to fix them or start fresh.
Good candidates come in many forms. We see patients replacing one tooth after an extraction, patients with several gaps across both sides of the mouth, and patients who have worn dentures for decades and want something more stable. Before recommending anything, we check for gum disease, decay and bone loss, because the foundation matters as much as the new tooth. If your gums need care, we treat that first with scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance.
Timing is worth knowing about too. If a tooth needs to come out, we perform both simple and surgical extractions in our office, and we can plan the replacement at the same time. Implant treatment usually takes longer than a bridge or partial because the bone needs time to heal. If dental visits make you anxious, ask us about oral sedation, which we offer for appropriate patients.
Who will I see, and what if my case is complex?
You will see Dr. Renan Buitrago at every visit. He is a prosthodontist, which means a dentist with three additional years of specialty training in replacing and restoring teeth. He earned dental degrees from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in 2000 and New York University in 2008, completed NYU's advanced program in prosthodontics and dental implants, and finished a three-year prosthodontics residency at New York Hospital Queens, affiliated with Cornell University. He is a recipient of the Gersten Award and has owned this Coral Springs practice since 2014.
Complex cases are planned and restored here rather than being referred elsewhere. Our on-site dental lab lets us make adjustments to crowns, bridges and dentures without sending everything out. When a case calls for input from another specialist, Dr. Buitrago coordinates the treatment plan so you have one point of contact. You do not need a referral to schedule with us.
How do I care for my new teeth, and what results can I expect?
Replacement teeth last best with steady daily care and regular checkups. The details depend on what you receive, but most patients do well with a few consistent habits:
- Brush twice a day and clean carefully under bridges and around implants
- Remove and clean dentures or partials daily, and store them as directed
- Keep regular cleanings and exams so we can catch small issues early
- Call us promptly if anything feels loose, sore or uneven when you bite
Results vary from person to person. Many patients find it easier to chew and speak once they adjust, and a well-made restoration is designed to blend with your natural teeth. Dentures and partials may need relining as your mouth changes over the years, and we handle those adjustments in-house. If a crown chips or a denture breaks, we offer emergency appointments.
How can I pay for tooth replacement?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims on your behalf, and we also welcome self-pay patients. Before treatment begins, we review your plan and explain what we expect it to cover so there are no surprises.
For costs not covered by insurance, we offer CareCredit, 0% and low-interest financing options, and all major credit cards. Many patients phase treatment over time, for example replacing one area first and another later, and we are glad to plan that way when it makes clinical sense.
If you are missing a tooth or living with a denture that no longer feels right, we would be glad to help. Patients come to our office at 2232 N University Drive, Suite B, in Coral Springs from Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, Boca Raton and nearby communities. Call us to schedule a visit with Dr. Buitrago, and we will walk through your options together.