Missing Tooth - Dental Health Message Board

kymi7 · 05-15-2003, 02:18 PM

I would like some advice on the situation I am facing in replacing a tooth. I am missing the molar on the left side of my face (third from the back). I have been to two dentist both of who gave me the same options. Crown vs. implants. Insurance will pay for 80% of the crown and NONE of the implant. The implant will run my around $3000. I don't have $3000. How do bridges look? Remember it's not a front tooth, I have to smile real wide to see it missing. Would it be worth the wait to try and save the money?

moni1 · 05-15-2003, 03:30 PM

I have an implant in my lower jaw (molar) and a bridge on the upper. When I look at my bridge (I have to pull my cheek back, it's 2nd from last tooth) it looks just like a tooth. I can't remember the kind of bridge it is, but it's not the kind that they have to shave down the side teeth for - madison bridge maybe? If/when this bridge "springs", which it has done once already, my dentist told me I would have to choose between a conventional bridge (which is where the supporting 2 teeth are basically chisseled away) or an implant. She's trying to talk me into an implant because she said it would be a shame to basically destroy those 2 other teeth. Not sure what I'll do when that time comes. I do know that for my upper jaw implant I would have to have a sinus lift because my sinus dips too far down.