Dental Bridges - advice
Lost a tooth. Was leaning toward a bridge (more specifically a Maryland bridge since the adjacent teeth will not have to be damaged)...anyone have them? Experiences?
I know about implants and am not interested at this time.
Lily I am a big advocate of saving whatever teeth you can but sounds like this tooth is gone and no chance of root canal or anything like that. People that I know who have bridges seem very satisfied with them and people that I know that have implants..the same. As far as cost..I would assume the bridge would be less costly.
joyful Thanks joyful. I'd really like to save the tooth as well (it's hanging on for dear life and I'm waiting on a specialist's appt.) It doesn't hurt, though, which makes me think it can't be saved and root may have died.
I'm leaning toward a bridge since implants are so costly and time consuming and I want this fixed asap. Just wondering about other people's experiences with bridges. Glad to hear your friends have been satisfied with them.
I feel the same as j. Do whatever it takes to save your teeth. I have a 3 tooth bridge. The first 6 months is the worst. No pain. Just a weird feeling of something strange in your mouth. It goes away. Flossing is not hard, just a different way of doing it. Go for the bridge, it's cheaper and last just as long. It all depends on your age. Young enough it's worth the cost, bridge or implants. If your 90 don't waste your $$ pull that baby out.
whiteyThanks whitey. If I may ask, did you have to have the two anchoring teeth filed down and crowned to fit the bridge? My only concern is damaging two other teeth that are otherwise healthy. How long have you had the bridge in?
I just got a bridge put in about 2 months ago. had a missing tooth so all my dentist did was file down the tooth in front of the missing one, crowned that and bridged it to cover the missing tooth. The only thing i do not like about it is the color..its noticably whiter than my real teeth. I love my dentist he only charged me what a crown would cost as opposed to what the cost is for a bridge.
H-town Mama Lily..Wondering where you heard you might have your adjoining teeth filed down..Never heard of that! If you do decide on extraction and decide on a bridge...the dentist will do what is called a impression (mold) of your teeth and then your bridge will be made to fit where the missing tooth is usually fitted in that area with small metal clasps.
Joyful~there are several types of bridges. The fixed bridge is permanent and they usually file down the two adjoining teeth a bit to fit them with crowns with the fake tooth being in the middle. This is to support the fake tooth. Although, they are known to last long and look natural, I'm hesitant to damage other teeth to do this.
I think you may be thinking of a partial, which just has a fake tooth and metal clasps. That is another option, but not sure of the aesthetics of having the metal clasps show when I smile.
Im in the process of getting a bridge as most insurance wont cover an implant and its a long process. My brother got a bridge and it looks great, no complaints. I am hoping mine turns out the same. I am getting the permanent bridge with the adjacent two teeth filed down as well.
towny Thanks, joyful! Always nice to learn something new! lol
towny~How do feel about the filing down of the other teeth? That's the part that worries me, damaging teeth that may still be ok. Can you tell who you are using for the bridge? Thanks!
Useful thread to me, since I have have several BABY TEETH that never fell out, but are starting to fall apart. So, I am curious about which dentists everyone is using, and what is the cost of the bridge or the cost of the bridge with the crowns for adjacent teeth? Implants are SOOOO expensive!
Jersey Girl A few things...
1) If you smoke the implant will fail. Stop smoking or do not try an implant.
2) Damaging the surrounding teeth is what I do not like about bridges
3) Implants are quite expensive in the US, in other parts of the world this is not the case
4) Teeth on the upper jaw may require a sinus lift which can be costly
5) Impants are for life (or at least the crown can be replaced) as the titanium screw will last longer than anyone lives.
6) Bridges last 15-20 years and then it needs to be replaced.
7) Bridges put stress on the adjacent teeth. Spanning one tooth is ok, but two or more is too much IMHO. In the event one of the "filed down" teeth goes bad you are missing two teeth. And at this point you really need implants.
8) If you have the money and time, go with the implant.
iJay3 I've had a Maryland bridge in the upper front of my mouth for 24 years. It loosened and fell out in the 4th year of use but hasn't given me a problem since I had it replaced. The only complaint I have is that the "wings" are made of metal making them visible because the teeth they are cemented to are a little translucent. If I have another one made, I'll try to get one that is all procelain, and take extra care with biting down on hard foods.
3wbdwnj Thank you 3wbdwnj! I was hoping to hear from someone with a Maryland bridge. I've heard about the metal showing through the teeth with that type. Will have to research the porcelain ones.
iJay3~thanks, that was very helpful info. I am not a smoker, need a top tooth replaced and cannot afford an implant. So I will have to pass on that for now.
Also, consider going to a board-certified prosthodontist for a consultation, if you havent already...
I was missing two teeth..side upper.
The dentist said..Implant..... 8,200.00
Wire bridge........................ 3,000.00
Plastic snap on .................. 1,200.00
At the age of my "The End of Life"....I don't think I will need to grin in the wood box.
hahahahahaha.....
All I needed...was those teeth to eat nuts and candy.
I never knew this...but, "the tooth, is the only part of the body that will not heel and get better!"
embryodad I had a bridge with the metal clasps. It was far enough back that it didn't show. I had no problems with it and had it for over 20 years. Then I had problems with the teeth that the clasps hooked to. The metal wore them down and I needed crowns on both those teeth. I don't know if the porcelain clasps would make a difference. Good luck.
Tanya i was born with a bunch of adult teeth that never came in...... so i had a maryland bridge for many years but it kept comin loose and falling out.... at age about 28 got the whole top row of my teeth in a bridge..... been almost 20 years no issues..... sometimes I mourn the fact that my good teeth were filed...but at the time it was the right decision..... and really have had no problems with my bridge whatsover...knock on wood
dismom I'm sorry iJay but implants aren't for life. As with anything else, things happen. My mom got implants 20 yrs ago. She got cancer. Her treatments with kemo caused the implants to become loose, the titium screws could not hold the tooth on. When we took her back to the dendist, they found out the company does not make the same size screws anymore, we were told they where obsolete. At the time the cost was $10,000 bottom plate only. We have been back and forth for a year now. My poor mom, she says she wishes she never got those dam things. Each to their own I guess. Getting to my bridge, I had a tooth missing which caused the tooth next to it to turn (this took 20yrs), bottom left back teeth. I did not want the rest of my teeth to start turning. So I went for the bridge, yes I only needed one tooth taken down. It is a porcelain bridge. If it last 20yrs I feel I got my monies worth. I think the cost was 3k. In my opinion, 3k compared to 10k is the cheeper way to go. Personal choice.
I also have a Maryland bridge and while it looks nice and so far, so good - seems like my gums are allergic to it causing them to bleed periodically. I didnt' want to do the implants because it looked painful, took a while, but I do regret that with the Bridge my teeth were filed down - I am not sure any of them are the best solution. I never bite into anything ever.
I am in the process of having an implant done. It is a long, expensive process. The reason I did not opt for the bridge though was because of the same concern you have; they told me they would need to file down the teeth on either side. The teeth on the either side of the tooth I'm having replaced already have small cavities in them. The doctor told me that because they already had a weakness from the cavities that filing them down would make them more suspectable to problems, and in ten to fifteen years I could lose those as well.
The bridge is a lot less expensive though. If they did not have to shave down those two other teeth I probably would have went that route. Now I'm just hoping for a big mega millions win :)
red76nj Be careful with Maryland Bridges. If the tooth being replaced is in the front you will always have to watch what you bite into. If you use porcelin wings, they are not as durable as metal and can easily come uncemented from the adjoining teeth. Although they are aesthetically more pleasing that using metal clasps, they are not as durable. The adjoining teeth will have to be compromised with either type, as with a regular bridge, in order to create a space for the wing on the Maryland to be attached. They also will not fit flush into the gum and you may have a space which is visible and can collect food. It the tooth is in the back that's probably not as much of an issue (looks-wise). If you are young and can do it, after much hastle with Maryland bridges, I say go for the implant.
in the tooth biz Hello all, if the teeth around the missing tooth are healthy, I would strongly recommend a dental implant otherwise a fixed bridge is always an option. Dental Implant require enough bone for placement however. But it can be regenerated but will have additional fee. Maryland or bonded bridges are not the best choice, as they are not very strong, bulky and in some cased teeth have to be prepared. Questions contact me, drzak@jerseydentist.com
Dr. Khokhar
Skylands dental
117 grand ave
hackettstown
www.jereydentist.com
zahir khokhar Dear dentist,I lost my premolar and I had Maryland bridge,thane atelier wing attached to canine
My teeth are not measuring only one teeth touching the natal on the canine.my jaw I a having panics attack , what do I do now ,help me please.many thanks
Shamim Shamim- It sounds like your bite is off and you probably need an occlusal adjustment (a slight reduction of the opposing teeth). Of course I'm only surmising what is wrong....do you have a dentist you can go to?
positive I just got a fixed bridge put in a week ago. The Dr. filed down the 2 teeth on each side of the missing tooth. I had the unfortunate experience of having a front tooth split horizontally from the bottom. It was like the facing split away from the back. Dr. said had to be extracted and replaced.
Anyhow, it doesn't feel natural. It is like the bridge is fatter than the natural teeth even gave me kind of a buck teeth in front. Because it is porcelain fused over metal, there are some dark shadowing areas near the gum line. The Dr. said the metal is showing through the whiteness of the teeth, if they made the metal thinner, wouldn't be as strong.
I am not happy with it at all. It cost a little over 2k to replace 1 tooth! Next time I will be like the Mikes..Strahan & Tyson and make my gap a fashion statement. I think a lot of my disappointment was due to my high expectations. The Dentist said the finished product would look and feel like natural teeth. Not true. Everything is different especially the flossing. Had I know what I know now, would have kept the gap until it was time for dentures.
Mystique Mystique - I had a similar issue several years ago. The root of a capped front tooth split and the whole thing got loose. My dentist (who I've seen and love - for years) recommended an implant which I refused. Don't ask why - just knew it wasn't the right thing for me. He was not happy to "destroy" two perfectly good teeth to make a permanent bridge but that's what we did. It looks great but it took a long time for me to get used to the different feel. It cost more than what you paid and it was years ago - but, done right, I think it's a great solution.
5catmom Had implants put in last year. Dr. Polachek was great. Only took a few visits. Also went to UMDNJ clinic and the work is awful. My face was bruised and the crown is very uneven. Love dr. Polachek and his staff is very nice. Good luck i know it is expensive but you need your teeth!!!!
dsl102927 Mystique, unfortunately this is a common problem, which primarily has to do with the lab that the dentist is using that makes the bridges and crowns. However, ultimately it is still the dentist's responsibility. I hope you voice your concerns and get what want to be corrected. You may have to be persistent...
Also I forgot to mention that there is a new material available that has no metal involved for crowns and bridges, but of course costs more. You might want to inquire about that. Sorry but for the life of me I can't remember the name of the product.
I have two crowns on my upper central incisors that has the metal coming through on the gingiva area. It looks horrible and this was done by a dentist that I have worked for.. who I have given 10 years of my blood, sweat, and tears. (No exaggeration).
Don't want to come across so disgruntled, but in this case I am.
I'm in the midst of MAJOR dental work, gum surgeries, extractions, bone grafts, implants, fillings replaced, crowns, bite adjustment etc. I went for a second opinion, before starting and I LOVED the new doctor so switched over. Two weeks ago had some silver filings removed and replaced with CEREC overlays/onlays. The dark spots that you could see through the tooth with the silver fillings is completely gone and now they are so white and sparkly. My crowns will be made with the same material and I think the implants as well but not positive. Very happy so far with results.
JrzyGirl88 Jrzygirl - which doctor did you switch too? I need to have similar procedures done.
thanks
htownnewbie @ htownnewbie Dr. Glen Goldstein in Randolph. Made me feel instantly comfortable in his chair and the girls that work in the office are so sweet. Doctor called me himself the night after both of my surgeries to check up on me, didn't just have the receptionist or assistant check in.
Here is the website: http://www.randolphdental.com/
I have referral cards that offer a Complimentary initial exam if your interested, let me know and I can get one to you.
I worked for Dr. Goldstein and I have to say he excels in what he does. He is very precise and a perfectionist.
CraftBeerBob Had a Maryland Bridge several years now, to date no problems other than my gums do bleed from time to time, always in the same area. I was not happy about my teeth being filed and it did take some getting used to - is a little bit bulky.
I hardly ever bite into anything, so have to cut my corn on the cob off, but not a big deal. I thought about implants, but couldn't face all of that work.
Good luck.
Nature Lover CBB I compared both treatment plans from each dentist side by side and they were pretty much right in line with each other. They do not offer payment plans, but have a few different financing companies that they use and will work with your insurance company to maximize benefits. From what I have heard there are not too many dentists around that do payment plans in office anymore.
I had a Maryland Bridge from 1992 to December 20 2015 when I had it replaced with a porcelain bridge - no more unsightly post showing. The bridge does feel fatter (wider) than the adjoining real teeth but the color and shape are so outstanding I hesitate to have any modification - additionally there could be a reason bridges are somewhat fatter than the natural teeth. I also had an implant. I feel VERY fortunate to have located a dentist I trust and could afford. I had misrepresentations about needs for my mouth to obtain optimum dental health - dental clinic in Mexico said oh you need 3 implants. Clinic in Taiwan said bottom braces, new bridge and 3 implants. Las Vegas, NV periodontist wanted $6,000 for an implant. Who knows on a new bridge. I have optimum dental health with a 3 tooth bridge replacement and an implant. Can't say enough wonderful things about Robert Hindman Indianapolis, Indiana periodontist and Scott Raw implant, dentistry, Taiwan.
Sandra Schwab Soon, teeth will be considered a luxury. Only reserved for the wealthy. I will never understand why vision and dental insurance is separate. It's still part of the body, can have adverse effects on health. Pretty soon, back insurance will be separate, then hand insurance. Health insurance should cover anything related to "health ", including dental and vision. Soon, there's going to be a lot of toothless people around. Scary.
sparksjbc1964 Is there a risk of dry socket when a temporary bridge is placed over an extracted tooth the same day? It’s been 5 days and my gum is very irritated. I can’t tell if there’s something wrong or just an ill fitted temporary or if pain is normal 5 days out. Thank you
Hawkmom It should not be considered a luxury, but then again for people who don't take care of their teeth they should not be looking for a new smile at 70...
iJay Why would a temporary bridge be placed over an extracted tooth of the same day?
Any tooth that I have had pulled is left alone to heal and make sure an infection is not in it.
A gauze pad should be over the tooth to help it clot for several hours. Also ice the infected area.
Bernie Had a bridge installed several years ago due to loss of a tooth. My dentist said he would not install the temp bridge until the socket had time to heal, about 2-3 weeks. Speak with your dentist about your situation. They might want to remove your temp bridge and install temp crowns on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Then, after a few weeks the temp temp bridge can be installed.
plc When I went through this, I had what was called a "flipper" for a while in the place of the missing tooth - next step was the permanent bridge - not right away - can't remember the time frame...
Ok...I went the cheapo way for an implant at UMDNJ..Very long and extensive process, but cost totaled 900$. Also had a bridge put in, dentist in Washington and ten years later there was decay under the bridge. They had to crack the bridge (very painful). Finally saved my $$ went to Hackettstown dentist and oral surgeon... $4000 for all the work on each tooth..do not have dental ins but I have beautiful implants that look great and I am not self conscious about smiling. Worth every bit of savings. Both dentist and oral surgeon are across from the hospital.
Acl76 Im looking into getting implants to replace about 3/4 of my bottom teeth on both sides. Either a full set or a bridge implant
It’s so expensive
Does anyone have any experience with getting implants recently? Who to go to? How to pay for them? I’ve thought about dental schools inNJ, NY& PA but it doesn’t seem to be that much cheaper. I’m really young to have this many teeth missing and it’s only going to get worse from here on out
I used Dr. Bogart, in the plaza across from Target, for two implants and a sinus lift in the upper left side of my mouth five years or so ago. It was not cheap, about $10,000 for sinus lift, two implants and two crowns. I spaced it out over two calendar years to maximize my dental benefits. I had the sinus lift and implants in July and then got the crowns the following January. Doing it this way, it was only about $4,000 out of pocket.
All that said, I highly recommend Dr. Bogart.
Calico696 Hawkmom, a bridge or a crown should have not been inserted the same day as an extraction. The extraction site needs time to heal and a final impression should be taken to send to the lab to make the bridge or crown.
If the dentist shaved the tooth or teeth and placed a temporary, well that’s quite different and standard practice, but what you are saying is not standard procedure.
Dry socket is very painful. It can be caused by air hitting the area, smoking or any foreign substances irritating the area. For the time being you can rinse with 50/50 peroxide and water, but call a dentist (sorry, but maybe not yours) to have it looked at. You might have to go on antibiotics.
Loved Dr Scrapitz - dentist and Dr. Singer - oral surgeon. Also there is Care Plus a charge type thing and you make monthly payments. Dental school is at Univ of Med and Dentistry in Newark. Very long process, about 1 1/2 years. You have to call, it is quite the experience.
Implants? That's simple. You need to go and see Dr. Steven A. Campolattaro on Route 10 in Succasunna, NJ. It's all gain and no pain!
Calico
How did you use your dental benefits for implants? I have insurance from my employer( the state of nj) and they said it’s not covered.
I’m looking into doing a flexible spending account and use that to fund the implants.
Dr Campolattaro was ok
I’ve been to him before
H-town - Fortunately, the dental insurance I have through my employer covers implants. Using your FSA is a great idea. I used that to cover my out of pocket for them.
AJMS While fsa’s are a good way to “cover,” we should always realize the savings = employers match (if any), plus your effective tax rate. IOW, if your employer doesn’t match, and you are taxed at 15%, that’s what you saved. So, $150 saved on every $1,000 spent. My dental insurance costs a few thousand a year and pays 80% on most things so for big things, fsa helps, but not as good. So, fsa’s good but for big things, I think insurance pays more.
Obviously since fsa's are use it or lose it, useless for healthy people as is insurance plus if insurance does not cover, fsa’s are your best bet.
One year we were not sick, forgot to use it, and woke up in a panic in December... For an existing condition, got a doctor to prescribe AC, and used fsa to put in central AC in December. So, got a December discount, a energy efficiency rebate, and my fsa discount too! Kept telling the contractor, don’t care how long it takes, just bill me in December! Pretty funny really.
Strangerdanger I had two teeth filed down for a fixed bridge in my upper jaw because of a failed root canal about 20-25 years ago. The fixed bridge will no longer stay in place and my dentist is talked about filing down yet another tooth to try to make the bridge stay cemented. I don't wish to lose yet another toothe and I am hesitant about getting implants as abutment teeth because of the time and expense. Is it possible that the cerec procedure on the two filed down teeth will make a stronger/sturdier bridge or is it just better to get the implants?
Thank you.
Princess Anne Go for a second opinion at a board certified prosthodontist. My dentist wanted to send me for an implant for a loose bridge that I’ve had for over 30 years. I went back to the dentist that did the bridge originally and he was able to cement it back on.
I decided to do a full arch (lower) implant to replace the teeth that were missing. I ended up having to remove 6 teeth that already had crowns on them and were bound to break sooner or later. I paid $25,000 for everything. I used dr.kurpis in ridgewood. I got several estimates from different implantologists and because he was the least expensive and had several patents under his name and was one of the first to do implants, I went with him. I had to pay out of pocket and used my $2500 fsa towards it.
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