I have a missing tooth, should I get a bridge or implant?

Question

My insurance will partially cover the bridge, but nothing on the implant. My dentist told me the implant was better. Anyone have a bridge? Does it cause you any probelms, like getting food stuck under it or anything? BTW, it is a lower back tooth, used for lots of chewing. Thanks!

Answer 1

IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT I RECOMMEND THE IMPLANT NOT BECAUSE IT'S THE MOST EXPENSIVE, BUT BECAUSE IT'S THE BEST CHOICE FOR REPLACING A SINGLE TOOTH.
A BRIDGE IS THE NEXT CHOICE.
REMEMBER THE INSURANCE DOESN'T WANT TO PAY FOR WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU, BUT WHAT'S THEIR LEAST EXPENSIVE OPTION.

Answer 2

If at possible get the implant. With a bridge, you would need to cut down both teeth along side of the missing tooth. I would hate to see you destroy two teeth that have nothing wrong with them to make room for the bridge. The implant would last a lifetime and much easier to keep clean even though cost more.

Answer 3

In order to place a "bridge" a healthy adjacent tooth gets ground down, there will always be additional maintenance required and it's a "thing" in your mouth. It is likely that it will end up costing additional expense to "maintain" that tooth holding the bridge (which your dentist won't tell you). With an implant, your natural tooth is basically replaced, without even a margin (gap) betwen the tooth and gum, like in a crown so no special treatment is necessary. In the long run, an implant is a safe bet.

Answer 4

It depends.
1. If your teeth either side of the gap have already received fillings, then at some time in the future they may fracture off the corners. So, a bridge would be best because the teeth either side would receive crowns naturally as part of the bridge.
2. If the teeth either side are undamaged by previous fillings, then an implant would be preferable so as not to involve grinding down the adjacent teeth. Of course, you need to have the correct depth of bone.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to get a 2nd opinion before spending all this money.

Answer 5

Implants are very expensive. A bridge actually affects the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth but can last a very long time if you care for it properly. Good Luck !

Answer 6

Implants are very expensive, but probably the most permanent, bridges can come off eventually , if you for see a lot of problems with keeping your teeth, there are the denture options as well but I would suggest doing everything in your power to keep your teeth so an implant would be permanent.

Answer 7

A bridge feels just like your teeth and cost much less than an implant.The dentist will give you a plastic flossing instrument to safely get between your bridge and gum area.No worries,you will not have any chewing problems,as long as it's nothing like a sugar daddy or something really sticky.