lindab
Junior Member
Posts: 64
Jan 28, 2016 12:42:28 GMT
|
Post by lindab on Jan 20, 2022 0:02:52 GMT
I cracked my tooth and the break appears to have gone to the root (hope I said that right). Tooth cannot be saved. 😭
My choices are: 1. Remove tooth and do nothing. It's in the back of my mouth and is not noticeable.
2. Remove tooth and get a bridge. What's a bridge?
3. Or Remove tooth and get an implant which is what the dentist is pushing for. They explained the process and we are waiting on a quote and then to see how much dental insurance will pay.
Thankfully, I'm not in any discomfort so there is no emergency. I need to research because I'm very unfamiliar.
So who has had experience with either a bridge or an implant?
Thanks for your help!
|
|
camcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,973
Jun 26, 2014 3:41:19 GMT
|
Post by camcas on Jan 20, 2022 0:07:00 GMT
I have! Top left. Bridge is where they make a wire appliance to hold a false tooth by attaching to adjacent teeth to cover the gap I chose the implant because removal left a hole between two sound teeth and my dentist explained that would mean more strain on those adjacent teeth leaving the gap . The process of the implant was pretty seamless except my appointments kept getting cancelled due to COVID restrictions on “elective dentistry” so it took over 18 months from removal to implant. My dentist colour matched really well and you wouldn’t really notice but I can feel it as slightly “smoother” than my natural teeth I am happy with it but it was $$$ I am in Australia though so probably not comparable to you
|
|
YooHoot
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,417
Jun 26, 2014 3:11:50 GMT
|
Post by YooHoot on Jan 20, 2022 0:07:29 GMT
Bridge (involves tooth behind missing tooth and in front of missing tooth…basically 2 crowns and a fake tooth in the middle…the bridge the poster above me is talking about is a removable partial. There are no wires in a fixed bridge ) Not best option, but not worst.
Implant (involves only the missing tooth) Best option in my option
Do nothing (the tooth behind the missing tooth will slowly start to drift forward), potential for bone loss to surrounding teeth) Least favorable option
|
|
MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,372
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
|
Post by MDscrapaholic on Jan 20, 2022 0:11:45 GMT
I have a couple implants, but they are $$$ even with insurance. I like them - dentist did a great job. They take months to do, but if it's a tooth that is not in the front it's fine, just takes time.
|
|
|
Post by mom on Jan 20, 2022 0:21:30 GMT
I have an implant -- front tooth, right in the smack middle of my smile. I cracked my front tooth and after attempting to glue it back several times, the dentist recommended pulling it and putting an implant. It was pricey but I don't regret the decision.
|
|
|
Post by Skellinton on Jan 20, 2022 0:24:52 GMT
My mom has them as she lost her front teeth when she was 6 and had a bridge until adulthood. It is extremely expensive and she had good insurance. They look great though, but since hers are in the front it was painful and a lot of work. Talking about it creeps me out, but there was something about posts and multiple steps (I was her chauffeur for the procedures) and cadaver teeth. The bridge was not sustainable for as long as she had it so it was either implants or dentures and she wasn't going to do dentures. You need to look at the longevity of each option relative to your age. She is very pleased with them though and they do look great.
|
|
|
Post by summer on Jan 20, 2022 0:25:52 GMT
I have an implant. They extracted my broken tooth, did a bone graph and surgically implanted a dental screw.. Then there was another procedure to add an abutment I believe they call it. Then they attach the crown. It takes many months like 6 or more from beginning to end because you have to heal between oral surgeries. But in the end it’s worth it, it will be the strongest tooth in your mouth. My insurance covered the implant but I had to pay for the bone graph which I think was around $700. My insurance only covers one implant so if I need any others I will have to pay for the whole thing. Everyone’s insurance is different, if it’s in your budget to get an implant I think that is the best option.
|
|
|
Post by merry27 on Jan 20, 2022 0:31:23 GMT
I’m glad you posted asking about this. I need to do something with my back molar on the bottom. I can’t decide if I want to do the implant or just pull it. I was quoted $4k for the whole removal/implant/crown.
|
|
peasquared
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,455
Jul 6, 2014 23:59:59 GMT
|
Post by peasquared on Jan 20, 2022 0:53:58 GMT
If you can, by all means do the implant. As YooHoot said, not doing anything will lead to bone loss. That bone loss will then start to affect the teeth in front of the pulled one. They do take time, but the amount of pain is less than a filling, in my opinion. (I HATE that slow grinding drill with a passion.)
|
|
kimi
Full Member
Posts: 196
Aug 11, 2020 21:47:04 GMT
|
Post by kimi on Jan 20, 2022 2:56:01 GMT
I've had bad teeth all my life and I have several dental implants. Implant is the better option (over a bridge), but is much more expensive. I've paid about $4500 for each and the process is long -- about 7 months from implant to crown. But I can't tell the difference between my implanted teeth and my natural teeth. (I am fortunate to have them.)
If you don't replace the lost tooth, you risk the adjacent teeth moving and the tooth below (or above) moving up (or down). I delayed one of my implants for a several months (after the tooth was removed). By the time I got around to getting the implant done, the tooth below moved upward so when I was fitted for the crown there wasn't much room for the crown. The dentist managed, but it would have been better/easier if I didn't delay.
|
|
|
Post by mellyw on Jan 20, 2022 3:19:37 GMT
If you can afford it, implant is the way to go. I have 16 that support my dentures. It’s a long, depressing story on the how’s and why’s , but I’m so very grateful I could afford it.
Once a tooth is gone, you’ll lose the bone structure supporting the area. Implants stop that process. If you have the tooth pulled and don’t replace it with anything, your teeth will shift backwards
I hope your insurance comes back with good news for you. Yes, the implant process takes time, but it’s so worth it
|
|
|
Post by iteach3rdgrade on Jan 20, 2022 3:38:46 GMT
I had my top right molar pulled when the newish dentist (recently switched) thought he could cap it. My previous dentist had filled teeth as much as he could, I guess. Anyway, it was completely unexpected and I opted to go somewhere to get it pulled and just leave it. No one can see it. My teeth didn't shift. It feels weird sometimes, but I wasn't going to spend money in that location, and I'm glad I didn't plan to have him to any more work to help. I don't care for his work and see another dentist in the office instead.
If it was a tooth in front, I'd go for an implant.
|
|
|
Post by sunny1016 on Jan 20, 2022 3:47:39 GMT
If you can afford it get the implant! I had a bridge and completely regret it. They have to ruin 2 good teeth for a bridge. And mine failed so I had to then pay to have new crowns made for the teeth that had nothing wrong with them. Its been just awful. I so wish I would have just gotten the implant.
|
|
|
Post by worrywart on Jan 20, 2022 4:11:49 GMT
Implants are expensive but done in stages which may make paying a little more drawn out. My dh has one and it has been great for him.
|
|
|
Post by bc2ca on Jan 20, 2022 4:22:17 GMT
3. Or Remove tooth and get an implant which is what the dentist is pushing for. They explained the process and we are waiting on a quote and then to see how much dental insurance will pay. The dentist is pushing for this because it doesn't impact the surrounding teeth and is the best long term fix for your oral health. My dad had a bridge fail after a few decades and all three teeth were replace with implants. It is expensive and takes time to go through the process with healing at each stage, but would definitely be my choice.
|
|
|
Post by snugglebutter on Jan 20, 2022 5:22:21 GMT
I have an implant on an upper molar and have had good results. I will say that recovery was kind of rough for me with both procedures (extraction and implant placement) but that varies with each person. I didn't have any complications, but was pretty out of commission for 2-3 days and it was a full week before I felt like I was fully back to normal.
Personally I would not choose a general dentist for an implant. I recommend doing a consult with an oral surgeon.
|
|
peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,842
Jun 26, 2014 17:47:08 GMT
|
Post by peppermintpatty on Jan 20, 2022 12:59:25 GMT
My son is getting one right now. He doesn't have adult canines and got a cavity in one of them so it had to be pulled. He was a bit sore for a day or so. He has the appt with the oral surgeon in April and he will have to be put out for that one. The other 3 are still good (finger's crossed). With insurance it will cost about $2500 total. He has to have one otherwise all the money we spent on braces will be for nothing.
I wouldn't do the bridge. I have heard they are a pain.
|
|
|
Post by beepdave on Jan 20, 2022 14:54:36 GMT
I have an implant. They extracted my broken tooth, did a bone graph and surgically implanted a dental screw.. Then there was another procedure to add an abutment I believe they call it. Then they attach the crown. It takes many months like 6 or more from beginning to end because you have to heal between oral surgeries. But in the end it’s worth it, it will be the strongest tooth in your mouth. My insurance covered the implant but I had to pay for the bone graph which I think was around $700. My insurance only covers one implant so if I need any others I will have to pay for the whole thing. Everyone’s insurance is different, if it’s in your budget to get an implant I think that is the best option. I had a molar pulled Monday afternoon and a bone graft (synthetic) done at the same time. My insurance didn't cover the bone graft and the total was $419 for me. Having the bone put in buys me some time to get an implant at some point. My dentist knows how bad my anxiety is about all this work and has been amazing along the way. We weighed every option and the implant is the best option for me.
|
|
|
Post by maryland on Jan 20, 2022 16:21:07 GMT
I was supposed to get a dental implant 12 yrs. ago, but it was so expensive and we didn't have good insurance. It's been too long, so can't do anything about it now. Then I had pain in a bottom tooth on the other side. I have to get an implant. I had the tooth pulled in Oct. but had to cancel my appt. for last week as the dental office never submitted to our insurance. I am trying to put it off for a few months to save up money for it. I really want to get it as I can't eat well on either side now.
|
|
scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,763
Jun 25, 2014 23:21:30 GMT
|
Post by scrapngranny on Jan 20, 2022 16:30:54 GMT
I have an implant on my eye tooth. I would never do one for a back tooth. They are very expensive and very time consuming, needing several appointments to complete the process.
I am missing a back tooth and chose not to do anything. It drives my dentist nuts. She keeps saying it will mess up my bite. It’s been that way for years and there have been no problems. If you really want to replace the tooth I’d do a bridge.
I’m very pleased with my implant and money was no issue I would do it on the back. We are retired and don’t have any dental insurance. To have the broken tooth pulled, the implant put in and the crown for the implant was over $4000. Counting the healing time between steps, it took over a year to complete.
Good luck. In your situation I don’t think there are really any wrong choices.
|
|