Dental implant vs. Bridge

[RickFLM4]

Anyone have a dental implant or bridge (one tooth)? If so, are you happy or would have have made a different decision than the one you made? I can do either (or just have one less tooth) and leaning towards dental implant over bridge.

[JJ 911SC]

I got both. A one tooth bridge and 2 single implants. If the teeth on each side of the missing one are in good shape and look good, get an implant.

A bridge is harder to keep clean especially if it's not in front.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

I got both. A one tooth bridge and 2 single implants. If the teeth on each side of the missing one are in good shape and look good, get an implant.

A bridge is harder to keep clean especially if it's not in front.

Thanks. That’s helpful because those are exactly the issues I was thinking about. Do I really want to mess with 2 good teeth and deal with cleaning between teeth under the bridge? Sucks to think about the timeline for the implant but it’s probably the right thing.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

...Sucks to think about the timeline for the implant but it’s probably the right thing.

It is the right thing... You won't regret it.

[sspade]

I would like to add that depending on location, you can also choose to pull tooth without replacement. One of my rear molars was shattered into a few pieces about 15 years ago (by a direct impact) and I chose to remove without replacement. At this point Im happy with my decision and not sure how that would change in the coming years. Of course, if this were a visible gap in my smile or whatever... then I would have had an implant.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by sspade

I would like to add that depending on location, you can also choose to pull tooth without replacement. One of my rear molars was shattered into a few pieces about 15 years ago (by a direct impact) and I chose to remove without replacement. At this point Im happy with my decision and not sure how that would change in the coming years. Of course, if this were a visible gap in my smile or whatever... then I would have had an implant.

This is also a molar and I have given some thought to not replacing it as it is doubtful it would be visible. But I use it a lot for chewing so most likely it will be replaced. (Have had a crown since root canal 15-ish year ago.). But agree it’s an option and both my dad and wife have suggested I take that approach.

[flybigjet]

I've got a 1st-gen implant and a 3rd or 4th-gen implant, and the difference between them is pretty significant.

They've really improved the technology-- I can't really tell that my most recent implant isn't a real tooth.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP: When you get the tooth extracted, you'll want the doc to pack the socket with pulverized bone (bone graft)-- this is ESSENTIAL-- the powdered bone prevents resorption, so you won't end up with a depression in the side of the jaw as the bone heals the hole where the tooth was.

They hadn't quite figured that out when I got my first implant-- and I have a noticeable concavity on the inside of my upper jaw due to that. The second one was packed with a bone graft and the results are far superior.

I'd get an implant over a bridge every time.

R.

[Dang3r]

This thread has past me as it becomes important for OP, so my few cents to this:
Had a bridge onto upper left side, covering 2-3 up to 2-7. Last year in end of april I suffered a heavy inflammation beneath the 2-7 and the bridge had to come out completely, because in between were no teeth left, implants were the only solution.
Got 2 at 2-4 and 2-6 of them in October last year, heal and cure time until beginning of april this year, due to a very close schedule the toothbridge got inserted at the beginning of May.
The insertion was a pain in the ass as the constuct were taken into the lower located studs with small screws and the gum got compressed the first time since years, this burning lasts a few hours and disappeard then.
After a few days I had increased the load as told by the surgeon and my dentist and meanwhile Im happy as could been with this decision.

[Murf993]

My wife had a dental implant done a few years ago. Seems like a common procedure and nothing to worry about. About two years after it was done it broke. The tooth came of and the post has snapped. She has seen a number of specialists and the repair that needs to be done is of concern. The dentist who did the initial work has backpedaled and basically left her high and dry. The fix seems to be surgery to remove the post and surrounding bone, let it heal and then do another implant. She is not happy, the thing has pretty much healed now. She isn't sure she wants to get it repaired but not sure she should leave it as is. I'm not suggesting that you don't get an implant just sharing an odd outcome. I believe the implant she got was some newer technology using a smaller post and that may have been the problem. Good luck either way.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by Murf993

My wife had a dental implant done a few years ago. Seems like a common procedure and nothing to worry about. About two years after it was done it broke. The tooth came of and the post has snapped. She has seen a number of specialists and the repair that needs to be done is of concern. The dentist who did the initial work has backpedaled and basically left her high and dry. The fix seems to be surgery to remove the post and surrounding bone, let it heal and then do another implant. She is not happy, the thing has pretty much healed now. She isn't sure she wants to get it repaired but not sure she should leave it as is. I'm not suggesting that you don't get an implant just sharing an odd outcome. I believe the implant she got was some newer technology using a smaller post and that may have been the problem. Good luck either way.

That’s a terrible story - sorry to hear. Was this a top tooth or a bottom tooth?

Since my post, I haven’t had any further deterioration around the crown and x-rays seem ok for now. My dentist has told me we can sit tight on removing it and replacing it with an implant. For now. But even though I am not rushing into it, I know this will come up again at some point so appreciate the feedback.

[Murf993]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

That’s a terrible story - sorry to hear. Was this a top tooth or a bottom tooth?

Since my post, I haven’t had any further deterioration around the crown and x-rays seem ok for now. My dentist has told me we can sit tight on removing it and replacing it with an implant. For now. But even though I am not rushing into it, I know this will come up again at some point so appreciate the feedback.

Bottom left, just ahead of the molars I believe.

[JJ 911SC]

Link legit... https://jeffreygrossdds.com

[drchuck72]

Hey guys, thought I would throw my 2 cents in.

When considering a single tooth replacement, several factors come into play. Location? Sure. If it is the last tooth in the arch, you're pretty much going to have to go with an implant since a bridge requires a tooth on either side of the gap.

Second, what is the condition of the teeth on either side of the gap? Do they already have large fillings in them? Is one or both of them root canal treated? Or are they vrigin teeth? If the teeth are already heavily restored (with or without root canal) then a case could be made for a fixed conventional bridge (two crowns with a fake tooth stuck in the middle) since the adjacent teeth may already be candidates for crowns anyway. Kind of killing two birds with one stone. If you're dealing with virgin teeth, the reduction required to accomodate the crowns that will serve as abutments to the bridge will be significant. In that case, I would definitely recommend an implant supported crown. Would I recommend to someone to get the crowns separately on the adjacent teeth and an implant supported crown to replace the missing tooth. Absolutely. As mentioned before, the implant supported crown is easier to maintain than a bridge. Flossing under a bridge is difficult whereas flossing around an implant supported crown is the same as flossing around a natural tooth.

Hope this answers some questions that the group might have. And yes, I am a dentist and, coincidentally, I had to replaced a tooth some years ago with an implant. I don't really give it a second thought. I brush and floss like I always did. The most important thing is, make sure you trust the person who is putting it in and don't cheap out. It's expensive but this isn't just some aftermarket part you're considering putting on your car. This is something that is being implanted into your body and should last the duration.

[DocL]

Being a dentist, a one tooth solution is always better than a three tooth solution, so the implant may be a better decision. If you do decide to get the implant, please go to a specialist such a Periodontist. There a few great one's that I refer too, but there are a lot of terrible one's who I wouldn't let cut my dog's nails.

[Llarry]

I had a bridge and lost one of the teeth that anchored it, leaving me with a two-tooth gap. In addition, this is on top where I do not have enough bone available to get an implant. I've been coping with my two-tooth gap for several years now and I don't feel it impacts my chewing that much. I do have the rearmost tooth left on that side (the "lone ranger") that seems to do OK. Both my periodontist/implant specialist and general dentist are pushing me to get a bridge and I think I'm finally going to give in after a year of putting it off.

Complicating matters (it's always something, huh?) my single-tooth implant on the other side has been on and off painful on the facial side below the tooth for a couple of weeks. An infection in the lower jaw bone where the implant is? Is the implant on my "good" side now going to fail?

[DocL]

Originally Posted by Dang3r

This thread has past me as it becomes important for OP, so my few cents to this:
Had a bridge onto upper left side, covering 2-3 up to 2-7. Last year in end of april I suffered a heavy inflammation beneath the 2-7 and the bridge had to come out completely, because in between were no teeth left, implants were the only solution.
Got 2 at 2-4 and 2-6 of them in October last year, heal and cure time until beginning of april this year, due to a very close schedule the toothbridge got inserted at the beginning of May.
The insertion was a pain in the ass as the constuct were taken into the lower located studs with small screws and the gum got compressed the first time since years, this burning lasts a few hours and disappeard then.
After a few days I had increased the load as told by the surgeon and my dentist and meanwhile Im happy as could been with this decision.

Those are Straumann Bone Level implants, and are one of the best available. As long as you keep up with good home care they will last a very long time.

[Gossypiboma]

Originally Posted by dewittking

Both dental implants and bridges are common solutions for replacing missing teeth.

The decision between a dental implant and a bridge will depend on your specific situation and dental advice. It's important to consider your budget, oral health, and long-term goals when making this decision.

The most generic answer possible.

[Oldgixxer]

Originally Posted by ErnestButcher

Hey there! It's great to hear that you're doing your research and exploring your options for replacing a missing tooth. While both dental implants and bridges can be effective solutions, it's important to consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision.

I smell a spammer.....

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Oldgixxer

I smell a spammer.....

Or two...

[Roadcrew]

I had an implant done about 10 yrs ago, middle 2 teeth in front on the bottom. Was expensive but prior to the implant I was using a snap in plate kinda thing, absolutely hated it. Procedure was easy. Implant has been solid. I have a bridge on top that has been there for about 20 yrs. Its been solid as well. Not sure if an implant was even an option back then. I had a second implant done about 3 yrs ago to replace the bicuspid (pointy tooth). Bone graft, heal waiting, more bone graft. Implant procedure again was a big nothing. The tooth felt solid after some time but then started to fail about a year later. Doc would inject some antibiotic every 3 months for 2 yrs. Never really improved and just fell out one evening, never any pain involved. So much for that six grand. At the time she said about 6 more grand to redo. I don't think so, not happening. She's willing to do a back bridge that doesn't effect the 2 teeth surrounding it other than a glued(?) bar across on the back side for $3500. I'm 71 and I think I'll just deal with the gap.

[M5Rick]

Was at the dentist last week as a bottom right molar was hurting like hell when eating,after a small fill repair at a previous visit
. An x-ray showed no rot and after a bit more drill skimming of the repair dentist said it was due to nerve root being moved, it's the longest she has ever seen!
But now it's nearly back to normal and no pain anymore.

[RickFLM4]

Welp, a year and 1/2 since this settled down, the crown started to loosen and it became time to deal with this. Started the implant process today by removing the crown, getting out what was left of the old roots below that and doing the bone graft. 2+ hours in the chair (a lot of which was getting right level of local anesthesia and talking to my dentist, who has done hundreds of these procedures). Removing the remnants of the roots was difficult but it is done. I thought they were removed completely with the root canal (by another dentist long ago) but they weren’t.