Why is it that we are thrilled to lose our teeth as children, but that thrill turns to angst when we lose teeth as adults?

Children, of course, eagerly watch for that new tooth to grow in and replace the old one. Adults are not so fortunate.

Perhaps you have lost a tooth recently due to an accident or periodontal disease or you"ve been dealing with that gap in your smile since you ran into that car with your bicycle as a kid (both you and your mother cried over the fact that it wasn"t a baby tooth). Maybe you"ve considered a bridge to replace that missing tooth. A dental implant is likely an even better option.

It's just a gap. Why bother fixing it?

Dr. Maria Lopez Howell of the American Dental Association's "ADA Dental Minute" (www.ada.org) says, "Your teeth work together to help you chew, speak and smile. When you lack teeth, it's sometimes not as easy to do these things."

As well as improving your appearance, replacing one or two missing teeth could substantially improve your overall oral health. Problems caused by a single missing tooth might include:

• Growing misalignment through the drift of remaining teeth
• Improper bite causing problems with chewing and jaw alignment
• Bone and tissue loss at the site of the missing tooth
• Infection of the gums or jaw bone if the tooth has been broken and not entirely removed
• The desire to cover your mouth or avoid smiling to hide your misaligned and unsightly teeth
• Speech impediments as the tongue uses the teeth when speaking to form words clearly

Dental implants have multiple advantages over a bridge.

Traditionally, a single missing tooth would be replaced with a bridge. In some cases, a permanent bridge is glued to the adjacent teeth while others can be removed for cleaning. In many cases, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are affected by bridge placement. Glue to secure the bridge may have adverse affects on the health of the remaining teeth, causing actual damage to the enamel where the glue is adhered. As well, in some cases the remaining healthy teeth have to be cut down or otherwise altered in order to affix the bridge.

Dental implants are an improved technique for replacing missing teeth. In the case of a single missing tooth, or even multiple teeth, the implant can be inserted with no adverse effect to surrounding teeth. Once completed, the implant looks and feels like your natural tooth. You care for the implant in the same way you care for your regular teeth.

As an added bonus, implants generally last a lifetime while a typical bridge is expected to last only 7-10 years. Even when more than one tooth is missing, dental implants are a safe and better alternative to dental bridges.

Do dental implants require surgery? How long is the procedure?

A single tooth implant is done under local anesthetic and can generally be done in a regular appointment at your dentist"s office. The implant will be completed in two to three steps. After the first step, implantation of the titanium screw (the new root structure for your prosthetic tooth) the bone is given time to heal and grow around the implant. The complete process of implantation can take up to six months, depending on your overall state of health.

Can I get an implant from my regular dentist?

Today, many dentists are providing dental implants rather than the traditional bridge to fill a gap made by a missing tooth. You should be able to find a dentist in your area who is well-versed in dental implant procedures and able to help you determine the best options for your oral health.

Okay, now let's talk about cost

Dental implants might appear to be more expensive than bridges initially. When you consider that a bridge will have to be replaced, that cost difference is quickly diminished. Health insurance plans vary widely, but most will cover at least a portion of the cost of dental implants. Your dental office should be able to work with you to secure maximum benefits from your insurance company. As well, most have payment plans available for extensive dental work, including dental implants.