Implants or Bridge

narddog

Hi,
I'm down to my final bit of dental work finally! I have a Maryland Bridge on a front tooth, and am looking to get it replaced with either an implant or a better permanent bridge. After speaking with my dentist, he has given me 3 options.
1 3 unit bridge.
2 2 unit bridge + wing.
3 Implant.
The implant is the most expensive option, the 2 unit bridge + wing is the cheapest (by about $450). Asking, as a general rule, which option would be best. I've been checking the pros and cons of each option online, but would welcome input from other people. My dentist did go over the options with me, but he didn't really offer an opinion on the best option, out of the three, to me.

Thanks..
K.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Implant FTW every time if you can afford it. It keeps your teeth seperate which means that if and when things fail, you only have a problem with one tooth. So every time go for an implant if you can. Particularly if you are young.

Bridges of various designs come after that.....best to listen to your dentists advice. If your dentist does not carry out implant proceedures he can referr you to a specialist.

Borderfox

For longevity imo the implant will last the longest and will stabilise any bone loss in the area (maybe?)

fonpokno

Definitely go for the implant! Best thing I ever did myself. It's a bigger job yes but it's so so worth it.

narddog

Hi,
Thanks for the replies. Looks like an implant is the best way to go.


Thanks,
K.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Borderfox wrote: »

For longevity imo the implant will last the longest and will stabilise any bone loss in the area (maybe?)

No maybe about it, implants will maintain the bone around them much like a tooth. There is never a better time than now to get an implant because you will loose bone as the years go on and may require grafting to get a good result. If you can afford it, implants all the way. Remember implants are tax deductable at the standard rate (as are bridges BTW)

DublinWriter

I got two implants done five years ago and would recommend them.

I went to my dental surgeon (not regular dentist) expecting hell on a stick, but I've had far more traumatic fillings done to be honest. The whole procedure went really well in my case.

Be careful if you're a smoker with implants as smoking seriously shortens the odds of the bone healing and holding around your implant.

narddog

As I am somewhat of a wuss when it comes to pain, just how painful are implants? When the procedure was described to me, I have to be honest I winced a bit. The implant I will be doing is on a front upper tooth.

Big_G

The procedure itself should not be painful at all. The surgeon numbs the tissue over the bone. The bone itself does not have any nerves so no pain while drilling. It shouldn't take too long either. I think about 45mins to an hour.

There is some morbidity (pain/discomfort) associated with implants after the anaesthetic wears off. From what I've seen, most people are able to manage it with moderate strength analgaesics/anti-inflammatories.

So you don't need to worry.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

I find that implant placements are not painfull during or after. Most of my patients do not require any painkillers. You may take some antibiotics to prevent infection. Because the implant is sterile and totally biocompatable you get little if any inflamation and hence little if any pain. If you need grafting there is a little more inflamation but not too much.

The best analogy is that its like having a tooth out in reverse, but a bit less uncomfortable.

DublinWriter

narddog wrote: »

As I am somewhat of a wuss when it comes to pain, just how painful are implants? When the procedure was described to me, I have to be honest I winced a bit. The implant I will be doing is on a front upper tooth.

For me it was totally pain free, during and after the surgery. As I said, I've had far more traumatic fillings over the years!

narddog

Thanks for the replies. Very reassuring!!