Dental Bridges

[Mk3Ed]

Good Evening

Has anyone got a dental bridge for two missing teeth (teeth that are next to each other.)

Basically just over two years ago I knocked my front tooth out and the one next to it. Now I know the best option for replacement would be implants but there are a few reasons which are drawing me towards a bridge.

The reasons being are:

1. Cost, I currently live at home and am saving for a house deposit. So can't really afford implants

2. I smoke, I know I could quit this etc, but I've been told smokers are not the best candidate for implants

3. my two teeth next to the missing ones are slightly damaged, one is chipped and the other has a small crack

Now my question is does anyone have a 4 piece bridge? I am getting quite fed up of having a denture and although its comfortable 90% of the time it can cause discomfort, also it doesn't do anything for my confidence.

I've tried to do a bit of research on the topic and no one likes to put a time frame on how long dental work lasts, some sites say 5 years some say 20 years etc. If a bridge was to fail, is it a case of getting the bridge re-done? or would the connecting teeth be sacrificed?

another worry of mine is bone loss, my gums have have shrunk in the damaged area, is there likely to be much more of a bone loss?

[Rollin]

Mk3Ed said:

Good Evening

Has anyone got a dental bridge for two missing teeth (teeth that are next to each other.)

Basically just over two years ago I knocked my front tooth out and the one next to it. Now I know the best option for replacement would be implants but there are a few reasons which are drawing me towards a bridge.

The reasons being are:

1. Cost, I currently live at home and am saving for a house deposit. So can't really afford implants

2. I smoke, I know I could quit this etc, but I've been told smokers are not the best candidate for implants

3. my two teeth next to the missing ones are slightly damaged, one is chipped and the other has a small crack

Now my question is does anyone have a 4 piece bridge? I am getting quite fed up of having a denture and although its comfortable 90% of the time it can cause discomfort, also it doesn't do anything for my confidence.

I've tried to do a bit of research on the topic and no one likes to put a time frame on how long dental work lasts, some sites say 5 years some say 20 years etc. If a bridge was to fail, is it a case of getting the bridge re-done? or would the connecting teeth be sacrificed?

another worry of mine is bone loss, my gums have have shrunk in the damaged area, is there likely to be much more of a bone loss?

A bridge can fail due to decay, fracture of the bridge or fracture of the teeth supporting the bridge.
There's also the increased possibility of gum disease around the teeth supporting the bridge since it can be more difficult to keep the area clean.

It's difficult to give time scales because some reasons for failure are due to random trauma to the bridge and others are down to how well the patient looks after the work.

Drilling down the healthy teeth for a conventional bridge can weaken those teeth.

If cost is a factor, then maybe consider resin bonded bridgework which also doesn't involve much drilling of the teeth. Your dentist will be able to tell you which options are suitable for your situation.

It's normally possible to finance the cost of implant work by the way.