Gap? Let’s talk options

Missing a tooth? Here are your options.

Whether you lost a tooth last month or years ago, you have choices. We lay them out side by side, with honest pros, cons, and costs.

Book a consultation Call (805) 922-4109

Smiling older man relaxing in a dental chair

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated October 9, 2026

4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

The main ways to replace a missing tooth are a dental implant, a bridge, or a removable partial. An implant replaces the root and stands on its own. A bridge attaches a false tooth to the teeth beside the gap. A removable partial clips onto nearby teeth. The best choice depends on your bone, the neighboring teeth, your health, and your budget. At Kitto Family Dental in Santa Maria, we walk you through each option and its cost.

Why replacing a tooth matters.

Over time, the teeth next to a gap can tip into the space, and the tooth above or below can drift. Chewing can shift to one side, and the bone where the root used to be slowly shrinks. None of this happens overnight, and not every missing tooth needs replacing. We’ll tell you honestly whether yours does.

Your options, side by side.

	Dental implant	Bridge	Removable partial
Teeth beside the gap	Not touched	Shaped for crowns	Clasps rest on them
How it feels	Closest to a natural tooth	Fixed and natural	Removable; takes getting used to
Typical timeline	Several months, including healing	About two to three weeks	Varies
Bone	Helps preserve it	Doesn’t preserve it	Doesn’t preserve it
Up-front cost	Highest	Moderate	Usually lowest

Learn more about dental implants and dental bridges. If another option fits you better, including one we refer for, we’ll explain it.

What decides the right choice.

Bone. Implants need enough jawbone. Some people need bone grafting first.
Neighbor teeth. If they already need crowns, a bridge can make sense. If they are healthy and unfilled, an implant protects them.
Health. Uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, and active gum disease affect implant success.
Timeline and budget. We give you estimates for each option so you can compare.

How tooth replacement works here.

Consultation and imaging
We examine the gap, the bone, and the neighboring teeth. New patient? See your first visit.
Options with estimates
You see each option, its timeline, and its cost in writing.
Treatment
We plan implant cases here and coordinate placement with a trusted specialist when the case calls for it. Bridges are done in our office.
Final tooth and upkeep
The final crown or bridge is fitted here, and we care for it at your regular visits.

Who you’ll see.

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Common questions

How soon after an extraction can I get an implant?

Sometimes an implant can be placed the same day as the extraction. More often the site heals for a few months first. It depends on the bone and any infection.

What if I have been missing a tooth for years?

You likely still have options. The bone may have shrunk, so some people need grafting before an implant. A bridge may also work. We check and explain.

Do I need to replace a missing back tooth?

Often yes, because back teeth do most of the chewing and neighbors can drift. But not always. We look at your bite and tell you honestly.

Is an implant better than a bridge?

Neither is best for everyone. Implants protect neighbor teeth and bone. Bridges are faster and cost less up front. The right choice depends on your teeth and goals.

How long does the whole implant process take?

Usually several months from start to final crown, because the implant needs time to fuse with the bone. Your plan includes a realistic timeline.

Can I have a temporary tooth while I wait?

Often, yes. There are temporary options for many cases so you aren’t walking around with a gap. Ask us at your consultation.

Does insurance cover tooth replacement?

Many plans cover part of a bridge, and some cover part of an implant. Coverage varies, so we check your benefits and give you a written estimate for each option.

Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?

Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Ready to fill the gap?

Book a consultation. You’ll leave with every option and its cost in writing, and no pressure to decide that day.

Book a visit Call (805) 922-4109