Dental Bridges - Long Island

Though both dental implants and bridges are sound, functional options to correct missing teeth, it is important to note that bridges are not permanent. Although durable, dental bridges will eventually need to be replaced. They may also be prone to periodontal complications due to slightly greater difficulty in cleaning and flossing under the bridge and between the supporting abutment teeth, which must be kept healthy to support the crown between them. For those who need to replace missing teeth and want a permanent solution rather than the fixed or removable dental bridge, a dental implant is the best option. It is similar to a crown in which the root of a damaged tooth is capped with a porcelain “crown.” However, a dental implant is used when there is not enough root on which to affix a crown. The implant is made of a titanium post that is screwed into the jaw which then becomes the root to which a crown or replacement tooth is affixed. It is natural looking; it is maintained just as you would a normal tooth with regular brushing and flossing, and it is permanent. Once implanted, it becomes a flawless and permanent part of your smile. However, not everyone is a good candidate for implants since a tooth implant requires enough bone mass in the jaw to hold the titanium post. Such cases may be corrected with bone grafting, an oral surgical procedure which our team at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry provide.