Losing one or more teeth can make everything from eating to being understood clearly difficult. You have a number of options for restoring lost teeth and improving your oral health, including dental bridges and dental implants. Do you need a bridge or a dental implant to improve the health and beauty of your smile?
Dental Bridge
One of the more common options for replacing a missing tooth, we primarily recommend them for people who are missing between one and three teeth in a row. The prosthetic is anchored into place with dental crowns attached to the new teeth. Like your natural teeth, the prosthetic requires routine cleaning and we will provide instructions for the proper care and maintenance of your new teeth.
Dental Implants
Unlike bridges these are not held in place with crowns. Instead, a post made from titanium, a biocompatible metal, will be inserted surgically into the jaw. As the area heals the post and bone tissue bond, securing it like a real tooth. We then add a restoration to ensure the tooth looks and functions naturally. These can last a lifetime and need the same care as natural teeth (brushing and flossing). We can also use multiple implant posts to secure a set of dentures.
Which One Works Best for Me?
That depends on a number of factors. First, do you enough an adequate amount of jawbone tissue to support the implant? If not, a bridge may be the better choice. We will carefully examine your smile and discuss your tooth replacement preferences to decide which option works best for you. We’re happy to answer any questions or address any concerns and invite you to contact our office today.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
