Dental Implant or Bridge in Bethlehem, PA? How to Choose
If you're missing one tooth, you have two fixed ways to fill the space: a dental implant or a dental bridge. Both replace the missing tooth with one that stays in place, and both are part of the restorative care we provide at Always About Smiles in Bethlehem, PA. The better choice for you depends on the teeth beside the gap, the bone underneath it, and your overall health and goals.
Dr. Thomas R. Lambert, DMD, MAGD, has cared for local families since 1988. His approach comes down to one line: "I don't sell dentistry. I educate the patient. I think there's nothing stronger than an educated patient." Here's what you'll want to know before your visit.
Should I get a dental implant or a bridge for one missing tooth?
The answer depends mostly on the teeth on either side of the gap. A dental implant replaces the missing tooth on its own, without involving the teeth beside it. A bridge is attached to the surrounding teeth for support, and the crowns that hold it also cover and protect those teeth.
- An implant may suit you if the teeth beside the gap are healthy and you'd like to leave them as they are.
- A bridge may suit you if you'd prefer a fixed replacement tooth without implant surgery.
- A bridge can also make sense when the teeth beside the gap are weak or have large fillings, because the crowns that hold the bridge protect those teeth too.
- Either way, your health and how well you heal are part of the decision.
Dr. Lambert looks at the neighboring teeth, your x-rays and your goals before he recommends either option, and he'll explain why one fits your mouth better than the other.
How is a dental implant different from a dental bridge?
A dental implant is a post made of titanium or another body-compatible material, placed in the jaw to anchor a replacement tooth. A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth with an artificial tooth that's held in place by the teeth around it. A fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist.
Who does the work differs, too. At Always About Smiles, an oral surgery team places the implant post, and Dr. Lambert designs and delivers the tooth that goes on top of it. Bridges are part of Dr. Lambert's everyday restorative work in our office. You can see how we restore implants, from single teeth to full arches, on our dental implant restoration page.
Is it worth getting dental implants at 70 years old?
It can be. The American Dental Association's MouthHealthy guide to dental implants notes that your health is more of a factor than your age when it comes to implants. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes may interfere with healing after implant surgery, and tobacco use can slow healing as well.
We welcome new patients of all ages, so your medical history is always part of the conversation. At your first visit, Dr. Lambert reviews your dental and medical history, does an oral cancer screening, and takes any digital x-rays you need. You leave with specific answers about your own teeth.
What happens if I leave the gap empty?
A missing tooth can change how you chew and speak, according to the ADA's MouthHealthy page on dental bridges. Dr. Lambert also explains that an open space lets the neighboring teeth drift and the bite change, which can lead to gum infection or tooth decay.
Whichever option you choose, the teeth you still have are the foundation. A bridge depends on strong supporting teeth, so keeping your remaining teeth healthy is a big part of making it work well for you.
Why do Bethlehem patients choose Dr. Lambert for implants and bridges?
Crowns and bridges are everyday restorative work for Dr. Lambert, and he does them here in our office. A bridge gives you a fixed replacement tooth without implant surgery, and only a dentist can remove it, so it stays put when you chew, speak and smile. When the teeth beside the gap are weak or have large fillings, the crowns that hold the bridge also protect and strengthen those teeth while the bridge fills the space.
Whichever option you choose, Dr. Lambert designs the replacement tooth around your own bite and the way you use your mouth.
Longer restorative visits are easier with the comforts we keep on hand: blankets, pillows, sunglasses for the overhead lights, and your favorite music. Our office was designed with sound-absorbing materials so you don't hear work from the back treatment areas. One patient's Google review puts it simply: "The doctor takes his time to explain to you everything from A to Z."
Missing a tooth and weighing your options? Call our Bethlehem dental office at (610) 868-9928 or request an appointment online, and Dr. Lambert will walk you through both choices using your own x-rays.
Published by Always About Smiles.
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