Which is better to replace a bridge now over 3 teeth- a longer bridge or 2 implants.

The teeth referred to in the title question are in the upper left portion of my mouth on the side but towards the front. I have been told that I need either a long bridge or 2 implants to replace a bridge that has to be removed in order to extract a cracked tooth that is currently providing support to the bridge. I am trying to decide what the best and most economical treatment would be for me from the point of view of overall dental health. I am 76 years old and have been treated for TMJ quite awhile ago and from time to time still have episodes. I am mentioning the latter as it has a bearing on how my mouth reacts to changes in balance. I was also told that a temporary bridge would be needed before I would be able to have the implants placed. My concerns, as stated above, are for long term dental health as well the high cost of all of these procedures, particularly the temporary bridge. Is there a reference chart of some kind that gives patients information on the possible costs for these procedures in the Boston area? It would also be helpful to know the amount of time that is recommended between each form of treatment (i.e. the tooth extraction and the placement of a temporary bridge and implants or between a temporary bridge and a permanent bridge and whether or not a temporary bridge is necessary in either case.) I am finding that this is a very difficult decision to make; therefore, input from an outside source would be most helpful. Since that cracked tooth was infected and is now in remission after a 10 day treatment with IC AMOXICILLIN, my dentist recommended that to avoid another infection it is necessary to get that bad tooth extracted as soon as possible. I have already had that miserable experience with another tooth. I need to have this information before my appointment to get the extraction done this coming Tuesday afternoon, July 29th and I need guidelines in order to decide the next course of action to take. Thank you for your time and attention. Your fast response will be appreciated. Sincerely, Avis G. Jacobson

Do you want to answer this question? Login or register now to answer this question.

No profile picture

Answer: Bridge vs. Implant

By BracesInfo.com Expert 10

A bridge from start to finish usually takes about 8-10 weeks from extraction to bridge delivery. Many times when an extraction is involved, the abutment (anchor) teeth are prepared, a temporary if fabricated, and the tooth is removed all in one visit. The patient with return in 4-6 weeks for the final impression of the prepared teeth, which will be sent to the lab for fabrication of the bridge. The temporary is re-cemented until the case returns from the lab and the permanent bridge is placed. Since you previously had a bridge, it is the most economical option, as the adjacent teeth will need to be restored with single crowns if implants are placed. You must determine first if you are a good candidate for dental implants and what is involved. Implants are surgically placed in the bone after a tooth is removed. Sometimes it can be placed on the same day as the extraction, however sometimes there is not enough bone support and a bone graft must be placed and integrated for 4-6 months prior to the implant surgery. Once the bone is stable, the titanium implants are placed and must integrate for another 4-6 months prior to restoration placement. It is a longer process and more costly, however, dental implants have a very high success rate and are the premium choice of dental restorations for restoring missing teeth.

More Questions from Bridges

Missing Canines

Hi there, my daughter has had a missing canine tooth for 4 years now. This has caused a gap in the front teeth. The other canine is a baby, with no adult tooth to grow in. The space where the missing canine tooth is not big enough for an implant....

Fix Crooked Teeth

hi im looking for the cheapest way to straighten my top teeth i have straight front 2 teeth but my teeth ever side are behind my front 2 teeth and my fang teeth are also out of line have attached photos i am happy and willing to have teeth removed...

What is the best prosthesis for speech purposes?

This question is asked on behalf of speech for actors/ presenters/ performers/ and public speakers who are dealing with loss of upper right 2nd premolars. Can you please rank the best prosthesis based on comfortable tongue movement for articulate...

Maryland Bridge replacement

I have had a gold Maryland bridge for 30 years, teeth 29-31. 31 is the full crown. I am having sensitivity in and around 31 and cannot chew on it. What treatment options do I have? It seems such a waste to remove the entire bridge. I am 62 and...

I think mistakes were made with my bridge; now it broke and more mistakes were made with the repair?

Hello, I recently had a bridge break and the dentist elected to repair it instead of replace it. I have two major concerns... The first involves the bridge breaking. One of the end teeth on the bridge chipped off at the top edge after my latest...

Fractured tooth with gum growth

Hi I am have had two root canal treatments of my second molar tooth next to wisdom tooth and i had a bridge on it. Recently i have had chips of tooth breaking off from the hole created on the crown for the second root canal treatment and today the...

Will a bridge hold on the front

I'm miss four teeth on the right side of my mouth (the front tooth is still there). My doctor said I need 4 implants, which I can't afford. I went for a second a opinion. He said that I can get a bridge, because the two end teeth are there. One...

Should I be in this much pain after a bridge placed?

I am 30 years old, no health problems. I have had several fillings throughout the last several years d/t not taking care of my teeth as a kid. I also had invisalign for 2 year which I finished last year. I wear a retainer at night. I have a high...

Which is better to replace a bridge now over 3 teeth- a longer bridge or 2 implants.

The teeth referred to in the title question are in the upper left portion of my mouth on the side but towards the front. I have been told that I need either a long bridge or 2 implants to replace a bridge that has to be removed in order to...

What is an acceptable range for a gap under the pontic on a bridge?

I recently had a bridge placed on my upper jaw and the gap under the pontic is large enough to pass a toothpick through easily(food constantly gets trapped there), it seems excessive to me, what is the normal range of gap under the bridge? Another...