|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Sept 20, 2024 13:06:30 GMT
Those of you that have had to make a choice between the two or have both, how did you come to this decision? I've mentioned a bit on here about my front tooth problem. It's been going on 3 yrs now, and I still don't have a tooth. a yr ago they did an implant, and it failed. had to have it taken out, which was not fun. It was infected. I've been without a tooth now for about 6 months, and next wk I would restart the process of a dental implant again. The more I'm thinking about it, the more I'm reconsidering and doing a bridge. I'm worried if they do the implant again, and it again fails, then have to have it pulled out again. My gums don't seem to like any dental work, even though I do all the stuff I'm suppose to. I've just had a pit in my stomach the closer and closer we get to having the implant put back in.
|
|
pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,275 
|
Post by pantsonfire on Sept 20, 2024 13:28:31 GMT
I can only have a bridge. I lost a tooth to a root canal that didn't take. The tooth next to it will be removed as well. Because of my EDS I can't do implants.
Also the bridge is 90% covered and my OOP expense will be like $200. For implant the cost will be way over what I want to pay.
I personally like that the bridge is easier to deal with and process. No surgeries, no bone grafting, no tissue grafting.
Just impressions and lab makes it.
They also look super lifelike now.
|
|
|
|
Post by karenlou on Sept 20, 2024 14:02:58 GMT
I too have had an implant fail....also a front tooth. I opted to have a bridge that is permanet So the teeth on either side of the defect were incorporated into the bridge that was permanetely affixed to the adjacent teeth. The original root canal also failed ...after 20 years necessitating the implant.
I have had no issues since the whole implant /bridge work
|
|
|
|
Post by lily on Sept 20, 2024 14:05:54 GMT
I'd say go with your gut and do the bridge, since you already had a failed implant.
|
|
scrappinmama
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,124
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
|
Post by scrappinmama on Sept 20, 2024 14:09:09 GMT
I had a rock thrown at me as a kid and one of my front teeth broke. They tried a crown, but eventually I had to have it pulled. I opted for an implant since that front tooth is so visible. I did have a bone graft put in first to support the implant. Because of that, it was a long process and took a year to complete. I'm very pleased with the results!
I have a bridge in the back of the mouth and so far so good. The reason why I didn't do a bridge in front is because it would be more noticeable. In your case, I would speak with the dentist about your concerns because they are valid. Good luck!
|
|
scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,861
|
Post by scrapngranny on Sept 20, 2024 14:17:11 GMT
I chose an implant, but with your history. I would strongly reconsider the bridge. Can they do a permanent bridge, that would not be removeable? I like the permanence of the implant. I feel for you, implants are not fun. Hope you have better luck this time, no matter what you chose.
|
|
|
|
Post by ntsf on Sept 20, 2024 14:20:53 GMT
I had a bridge in the back of my mouth and it broke after a few years.. so I got implants. I would do a consult with an oral surgeon, in addition to my dentist.
|
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Sept 20, 2024 14:49:10 GMT
I too have had an implant fail....also a front tooth. I opted to have a bridge that is permanet So the teeth on either side of the defect were incorporated into the bridge that was permanetely affixed to the adjacent teeth. The original root canal also failed ...after 20 years necessitating the implant. I have had no issues since the whole implant /bridge work That's pretty much with what I've been dealing with. It would be permantly fixed. |
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Sept 20, 2024 14:50:10 GMT
I had a rock thrown at me as a kid and one of my front teeth broke. They tried a crown, but eventually I had to have it pulled. I opted for an implant since that front tooth is so visible. I did have a bone graft put in first to support the implant. Because of that, it was a long process and took a year to complete. I'm very pleased with the results! I have a bridge in the back of the mouth and so far so good. The reason why I didn't do a bridge in front is because it would be more noticeable. In your case, I would speak with the dentist about your concerns because they are valid. Good luck! Right now I've been wearing a retainer with a fake tooth in it for 3 yrs. So I'm not really worried about looks. My dentist has said it's up to me |
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Sept 20, 2024 14:52:12 GMT
I had a bridge in the back of my mouth and it broke after a few years.. so I got implants. I would do a consult with an oral surgeon, in addition to my dentist. I've seen my dentist and oral surgeon for 3 yrs. They always say it's up to me, my decision. The other factor is that the oral surgeon is doing the new implant for free, but the bridge be would a whole new cost. So I would have basically spent 5,000 on a failed implant. and starting over. BUT I could also be starting over if this one fails again. UGH!! |
|
|
|
Post by karenlou on Sept 20, 2024 15:45:19 GMT
I had a bridge in the back of my mouth and it broke after a few years.. so I got implants. I would do a consult with an oral surgeon, in addition to my dentist. I've seen my dentist and oral surgeon for 3 yrs. They always say it's up to me, my decision. The other factor is that the oral surgeon is doing the new implant for free, but the bridge be would a whole new cost. So I would have basically spent 5,000 on a failed implant. and starting over. BUT I could also be starting over if this one fails again. UGH!! Is your oral surgeon going to do a graft with a bone matrix to support the new implant?? This is something you should talk to him about....Be sure to ask him what will prevent another implant failure!! FYI, good he is comping you the second implant...I had to pay for mine...and you know how expensive those are...my mouth is worth millions!!! |
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Sept 20, 2024 15:51:13 GMT
I've seen my dentist and oral surgeon for 3 yrs. They always say it's up to me, my decision. The other factor is that the oral surgeon is doing the new implant for free, but the bridge be would a whole new cost. So I would have basically spent 5,000 on a failed implant. and starting over. BUT I could also be starting over if this one fails again. UGH!! Is your oral surgeon going to do a graft with a bone matrix to support the new implant?? This is something you should talk to him about....Be sure to ask him what will prevent another implant failure!! FYI, good he is comping you the second implant...I had to pay for mine...and you know how expensive those are...my mouth is worth millions!!! He did another bone graft. I don’t know what bone matrix is? |
|
|
|
Post by karenlou on Sept 20, 2024 16:03:58 GMT
Bone matrix is bone from a cadaver mixed with another substance, as opposed to taking a graft from you....usually your iliac crest
I'm glad he did a graft this is good!!
|
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Sept 20, 2024 16:08:51 GMT
It's cadaver bone. So my 1st implant I didn't have good implant bone growth, then the infection. So when he pulled out the implant, he did more bone grafting.
|
|
|
|
Post by mellyw on Sept 20, 2024 17:34:42 GMT
I feel for you, this is a tough decision. I have 16 implants that support my dentures. My story is a sad long tale I won’t bore you with, but I had one area that an implant just wouldn’t take. Obviously I'm ok because my dentures span the area but it’s in the front too. We tried 2 implants there because there’s a large gap without support.. Both times they became loose which led to infection and implant failure. Only place in my mouth that occurred, I’ve had the other 16 implants for over 10 years with absolutely no issues.
Wish I could give better advice. Smart to be questioning things but I sure know how missing teeth can make you feel terrible. Three years with a flipper is a long time to deal with.
|
|
|
|
Post by lisae on Sept 20, 2024 18:47:50 GMT
Dh also had a failed implant. We thought it was because another medical issue delayed part of the process but after hearing all these stories, I wonder. He had the bridge done and has had no issues. It is on molars.
|
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Sept 20, 2024 19:50:00 GMT
I feel for you, this is a tough decision. I have 16 implants that support my dentures. My story is a sad long tale I won’t bore you with, but I had one area that an implant just wouldn’t take. Obviously I'm ok because my dentures span the area but it’s in the front too. We tried 2 implants there because there’s a large gap without support.. Both times they became loose which led to infection and implant failure. Only place in my mouth that occurred, I’ve had the other 16 implants for over 10 years with absolutely no issues. Wish I could give better advice. Smart to be questioning things but I sure know how missing teeth can make you feel terrible. Three years with a flipper is a long time to deal with. Luckily I don't have a flipper. It's actually a clear plastic retainer my dentist made for me from impressions of my mouth, and we glued in my old tooth. I have worn it for 3 yrs. I can't eat with it, so every time I have to take it out to eat, and then back in. Going out to eat sucks!! I'm so so done with it all. |
|
|
|
Post by disneypal on Sept 20, 2024 20:31:09 GMT
Those of you that have had to make a choice between the two or have both, how did you come to this decision? I've had to do this twice and chose the implant both times. My reason was that when you have a bridge, they have to do work on the 2 teeth on each side of the replacement tooth. If there is nothing wrong with those teeth, why would you do work on them when they are perfectly fine? I would rather leave my good and healthy teeth untouched and just add an implant. |
|
YooHoot
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,438
|
Post by YooHoot on Sept 21, 2024 12:49:34 GMT
A bridge will need the two surrounding teeth (retainers) prepped (ground down) to hold the fake tooth (Pontic). It’s ideal when there isn’t enough bone to support the implant, or if there is a risk of failure. There is always a risk of developing cavities around the margins of the retaining teeth so make sure you floss under the bridge really well. Invest in a waterpik!
If you have already had an implant fail I can understand why you would be hesitant. For me, I would have them try again. An implant is always the best option to replace a tooth. It’s fixed, permanent and doesn’t involve surrounding teeth, you can’t get a cavity on an implant.
|
|
|
|
Post by Miss Ang on Sept 21, 2024 14:51:26 GMT
My husband just did this and ended up choosing a removable bridge for his two front bottom teeth. I hate it. It looks great when he has it in but he is constantly messing with it because it feels weird against his tongue and just last night we went to Dave's Hot Chicken and he literally THREW IT AWAY because he feels like he can't eat with it in his mouth. He wrapped it in a napkin and placed it on the tray and forgot about it. That man had to go back into the restaurant and dig it out of the garbage. OMGosh.  I wish he would have spent the money to have the implants or permanent bridge but he didn't want to spend the extra money. So cindyupnorth , I strongly encourage something permanent. Don't play the "it's too expensive" card. |
|
ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,807
|
Post by ellen on Sept 21, 2024 14:59:40 GMT
Both of my daughters had to deal with this recently because they had baby teeth that did not have a permanent tooth behind it. The younger daughter is in the implant process - it was a molar, plenty of space for the implant, no complications. She should be done with everything by the end of the year. My older daughter had two teeth on each side of her front teeth that she was dealing with. She got a permanent bridge because they were concerned about space for the implants. It’s done now. Her teeth look great and there are likely to be some upkeep issues years down the line, but it was the oral surgeon who made the decision about what needed to be done.
|
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Sept 21, 2024 20:03:31 GMT
My husband just did this and ended up choosing a removable bridge for his two front bottom teeth. I hate it. It looks great when he has it in but he is constantly messing with it because it feels weird against his tongue and just last night we went to Dave's Hot Chicken and he literally THREW IT AWAY because he feels like he can't eat with it in his mouth. He wrapped it in a napkin and placed it on the tray and forgot about it. That man had to go back into the restaurant and dig it out of the garbage. OMGosh. I wish he would have spent the money to have the implants or permanent bridge but he didn't want to spend the extra money. So cindyupnorth , I strongly encourage something permanent. Don't play the "it's too expensive" card. Oh, I’m going permanent either way. Right now I have that retainer I have to take out to eat. I know the pain! |
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Sept 21, 2024 20:05:08 GMT
Both of my daughters had to deal with this recently because they had baby teeth that did not have a permanent tooth behind it. The younger daughter is in the implant process - it was a molar, plenty of space for the implant, no complications. She should be done with everything by the end of the year. My older daughter had two teeth on each side of her front teeth that she was dealing with. She got a permanent bridge because they were concerned about space for the implants. It’s done now. Her teeth look great and there are likely to be some upkeep issues years down the line, but it was the oral surgeon who made the decision about what needed to be done. I’m really not getting anyone saying this is the best decision. Neither my dentist or oral surgeon. So it’s been hard. It’s not a money issue. Right now it’s a I’m sick of it all and want to be done. Bit want the best out come. |
|
scrappinmama
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,124
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
|
Post by scrappinmama on Sept 21, 2024 21:13:12 GMT
I feel for you, this is a tough decision. I have 16 implants that support my dentures. My story is a sad long tale I won’t bore you with, but I had one area that an implant just wouldn’t take. Obviously I'm ok because my dentures span the area but it’s in the front too. We tried 2 implants there because there’s a large gap without support.. Both times they became loose which led to infection and implant failure. Only place in my mouth that occurred, I’ve had the other 16 implants for over 10 years with absolutely no issues. Wish I could give better advice. Smart to be questioning things but I sure know how missing teeth can make you feel terrible. Three years with a flipper is a long time to deal with. Luckily I don't have a flipper. It's actually a clear plastic retainer my dentist made for me from impressions of my mouth, and we glued in my old tooth. I have worn it for 3 yrs. I can't eat with it, so every time I have to take it out to eat, and then back in. Going out to eat sucks!! I'm so so done with it all. I'm so sorry! It's been such a long road for you. I don't blame you for just wanting the bridge at this point. |
|
|
|
Post by mellyw on Sept 21, 2024 21:44:17 GMT
Both of my daughters had to deal with this recently because they had baby teeth that did not have a permanent tooth behind it. The younger daughter is in the implant process - it was a molar, plenty of space for the implant, no complications. She should be done with everything by the end of the year. My older daughter had two teeth on each side of her front teeth that she was dealing with. She got a permanent bridge because they were concerned about space for the implants. It’s done now. Her teeth look great and there are likely to be some upkeep issues years down the line, but it was the oral surgeon who made the decision about what needed to be done. I’m really not getting anyone saying this is the best decision. Neither my dentist or oral surgeon. So it’s been hard. It’s not a money issue. Right now it’s a I’m sick of it all and want to be done. Bit want the best out come. That would frustrate me, I’d want my dentist and oral surgeon to give me better advice. When my teeth started their falling apart process, the first to go was a tooth in front of a molar. My dentist definitely recommended going implant and I trusted his years of experience. That implant has been there for 15 years and my denture actually starts in front of it because it’s so solid. Is there any chance of calling the office and relaying your concerns, that your truly in need of advice? I’m frustrated for you at this point, my dentist has been thru hell and back with me and I can’t imagine if I couldn’t have relied on his advice |
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Sept 21, 2024 22:24:55 GMT
I actually texted my dentists assistant and voiced my concerns. They are on vacation this week , but back Tuesday. So she’s going to talk to her. I do trust my dentist and they have been very good to me and my dh. The oral surgeon I started with the 1st implant with left. She was very businesslike, this 2nd surgeon has been ok. He’s known to be rough. The 1st extraction I barely swelled up. This second time my whole face turned black and blue, but this was pulling out the implant. My dh thinks I should do the implant again, but he has no idea all the pain I’ve been having. He’s had a bridge and is worried that I would have messed with other good teeth just to avoid the implant again. I really don’t think these other teeth are that great either, but I don’t know. This all started when I chipped off my front tooth in grade school on a cement wall. And it died. So I had been babying this tooth for a long long time.
|
|
|
|
Post by whipea on Sept 21, 2024 23:46:13 GMT
I am so happy with my decision to have implants versus a bridges. I have had a total of eight done and am wrapping up the last three. I an very comfortable and extremely satisfied with the five that are complete. Had to have graft on three of of them and it is a very long process. I am three years into the process and again, would not have been happy dealing with bridges.
Have an outstanding periodontist and dentist so that has helped me. It was not fun but not a nightmare either. Worth it in the long term for the outcome. For me, the biggest discomfort has been the cost.
|
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Sept 22, 2024 3:17:18 GMT
I am so happy with my decision to have implants versus a bridges. I have had a total of eight done and am wrapping up the last three. I a very comfortable and extremely satisfied with the five that are complete. Had to have graft on three of of them and it is a very long process. I am three years into the process and again, would not have been happy dealing with bridges. Have an outstanding periodontist and dentist so that has helped me. It was not fun but not a nightmare either. Worth it in the long term for the outcome. For me, the biggest discomfort has been the cost. Why would you not have been happy with bridges? |
|
|
|
Post by whipea on Sept 22, 2024 13:55:45 GMT
I am so happy with my decision to have implants versus a bridges. I have had a total of eight done and am wrapping up the last three. I a very comfortable and extremely satisfied with the five that are complete. Had to have graft on three of of them and it is a very long process. I am three years into the process and again, would not have been happy dealing with bridges. Have an outstanding periodontist and dentist so that has helped me. It was not fun but not a nightmare either. Worth it in the long term for the outcome. For me, the biggest discomfort has been the cost. Why would you not have been happy with bridges? The main reasons are; - they usually involve altering surrounding healthy teeth - a tooth/teeth underneath a bridge can decay
I have had a bridge and my experience was the above. Implants are for me, but you need to do what what works for you based on your needs and the advice of your dental providers. Hope all goes well with your final decision.
|
|
|
|
Post by putabuttononit on Sept 23, 2024 9:35:29 GMT
Had that same tough choice and went with a bridge. It was WAAAY less expensive but I also don’t like some of the steps that go with getting an implant. So I got a bridge and I’ve been happy with it.
|
|
