Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance. They can change how you eat, speak, and even how you feel about yourself.
At Hazel Dell Dental Care, Dr. Erik Jenson helps patients in Vancouver, WA, replace missing teeth with solutions that look natural, feel comfortable, and support long-term oral health. As a Dawson-trained dentist, Dr. Jenson takes a complete approach to your care. He looks at how your teeth, gums, and jaw joints work together to create a stable, lasting result.
We proudly serve patients from Vancouver, Hazel Dell, Felida, Salmon Creek, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Camas, Washougal, and all of Clark County, Washington.
Call us at (360) 233-8831 or request an appointment online to explore your tooth replacement options.

Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters
When you lose a tooth, the effects go beyond the gap in your smile. Here is what happens if you leave a missing tooth untreated.
Your other teeth shift. The teeth next to the gap start to drift into the empty space. This can cause crowding, bite problems, and make your teeth harder to clean.
You lose jawbone. Your tooth root used to stimulate your jawbone every time you chewed. Without that stimulation, the bone slowly shrinks. This is called bone resorption. Over time, it can change your face shape and make you look older.
Your bite becomes unbalanced. Missing teeth can change how your teeth fit together. This puts extra stress on your remaining teeth and can lead to uneven wear, jaw pain, and even headaches.
Eating and speaking get harder. You may find yourself avoiding certain foods. You might also notice changes in your speech, especially if you are missing front teeth.
Your confidence takes a hit. Many patients hide their smile after losing teeth. Replacing them can restore your confidence and improve your oral health.
How Dr. Jenson Can Fix Missing Teeth
Dr. Jenson offers several tooth replacement options. He will evaluate your oral health, bone density, and goals to recommend the best solution for you.
Dental Implants
Dental implants in Vancouver are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. A small titanium post is placed into your jawbone. Over a few months, it fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once healed, a custom crown is attached.
Why choose dental implants:
- They look, feel, and function like natural teeth
- They prevent bone loss by stimulating your jawbone
- They don’t need your dentist to alter your healthy neighboring teeth
- With proper care, they can last a lifetime
Dr. Jenson uses advanced 3D CBCT imaging to plan your implant placement with precision. This technology creates a detailed model of your jawbone, ensuring your implant goes exactly where it needs to be. This makes treatment safer and more predictable.
Implant options we offer:
- Single Tooth Implants: Replace one missing tooth with a custom crown that matches your natural teeth.
- Multiple Tooth Implants: Support a bridge or partial denture with two or more implants. This gives you a stable, non-removable solution.
- All-on-4 (Teeth in a Day): Replace a full arch of teeth with just four strategically placed implants. In many cases, you can walk out with a temporary set of teeth the same day.
We may recommend bone grafting if you have lost bone in your jaw. This procedure rebuilds the bone so you can qualify for implants.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge fills the gap with one or more artificial teeth. Crowns on the teeth next to the gap anchor the bridge.
Why choose a dental bridge:
- It’s a non-surgical, fixed solution
- It prevents your remaining teeth from shifting
- It restores your ability to chew and speak normally
- It can be completed in just two visits
Types of bridges we offer:
- Traditional Bridges: Crowns on the adjacent teeth support the artificial tooth in the middle.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Anchored by implants instead of natural teeth. These are more stable and don’t affect your healthy teeth.
- Maryland Bridges: Use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth. This is less invasive and used for front teeth.
Dentures and Partials
For patients missing several or all of their teeth, dentures and partials offer a reliable, removable solution. Full dentures replace all teeth on your upper or lower jaw. Partials replace several missing teeth when some natural teeth remain.
Why choose dentures or partials:
- They are a more affordable option
- They restore your smile and ability to eat comfortably
- They can be made quickly, without surgery
The Dawson Difference
Dr. Jenson’s training at the Dawson Academy sets him apart. The Dawson approach focuses on Complete Dentistry. That means he looks at your entire oral system, not just the missing tooth. He evaluates your bite, jaw joints, and muscles to make sure your replacement teeth work in harmony with your whole mouth. This leads to longer-lasting results and fewer complications.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
Leaving a gap can cause your remaining teeth to shift, leading to bite problems and uneven wear. You will also lose bone in your jaw over time, which can change the shape of your face. Replacing the tooth early prevents these issues.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, the implant post can last a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and sedation options to keep you comfortable. Most patients report less discomfort than they expected. You can manage any post-surgery soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Are dental implants better than bridges?
Both are good options. Implants preserve your jawbone and don’t affect adjacent teeth. Bridges are non-surgical and less expensive. Dr. Jenson will help you decide based on your specific needs.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost varies based on the number of implants and whether you need additional procedures like bone grafting. We provide a clear estimate before any treatment begins.
Can I get implants if I have bone loss?
Yes, in most cases. Bone grafting can rebuild the bone in your jaw to support an implant. This adds time to your treatment but makes implants possible for many patients.
How long does the implant process take?
The full process usually takes 3 to 6 months. This includes the healing period after the implant is placed. In some cases, you may receive temporary teeth on the same day.
Will my insurance cover tooth replacement?
Coverage varies. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of bridges and dentures. Coverage for implants is less common, but some plans offer partial benefits. We will verify your benefits and explain your costs before treatment begins.
Restore Your Smile Today
You don’t have to live with missing teeth anymore! Dr. Erik Jenson and his team at Hazel Dell Dental Care are here to help you find the right solution. With Dawson training, advanced technology, and a patient-centered approach, you will get care that lasts.
We proudly serve patients from Vancouver, Hazel Dell, Felida, Salmon Creek, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Camas, Washougal, and all of Clark County, Washington.
Call your Vancouver dental office at (360) 233-8831 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation.