alternative to implants? - Dental Health Message Board

anneh · 08-18-2006, 01:27 PM

Hi I have been told that I need two implants because on my upper right quadrant the tooth (toward the front) holding the bridge has decayed and according to xray may need to be removed and there won't be anything to hold a bridge apaprently. Most of my teeth are crowned btw. Does anyone know if there are alternatives in a case like this (some sort of partial plate etc)? Thanks for any help. At this point I am considering dentures altho reading the nightmares here has scared me about them

anneh

lola32 · 08-18-2006, 07:34 PM

that depends. If the front tooth that has to come out is a lateral incisor, you should never use this tiny little short rooted tooth to support a bridge. If that isn't the case then you have to look at the length or expanse of the new bridge. The more teeth on the bridge, ie the longer it is, is a definate factor. The longer the bridge, the more support it will need and the more problems that will be faced in getting a good fit. A partial denture can be an option as long as there are sturdy teeth to support the clasps and bite forces put on remaining teeth. Although, if you aren't missing any teeth on the upper left then a partial is not an option because there has to be somewhere on the other side for the partial to engage or "clasp". As for a complete denture I would advise you to put it off as long as possible. Save that option for when you have no others. Many people make the mistake of thinking a denture is the same as having your teeth back. It is not. They crowd the tongue, cause dificulty in eating, speaking, etc. And very few people end up with one that is a perfect fit. Most people, unless they had very few teeth to start, wish they had taken better care and avoided a denture. Not only do you taste with your tongue but you also taste with the roof of your mouth so if you have a denture, it lessens your tastes for food. Finally, when no teeth are present the bone gradually starts to resorb, eventually leading to poor fitting dentures, which will need to be relined or remade. If you have trusted your dentist in the past, continue to do so. Implants are not that bad, they are more sturdy than real teeth since the bone attaches directly to them and they are the closest thing to natural teeth you can get. Downside is cost(most insurance companies will not cover them) and the length of time it takes to finish the entire process which can be 3-6 months.

anneh · 08-19-2006, 04:16 PM

Thanks for you response, its appreciated esp the information and I think I will look into having the implants if I am able to do so

I guess I was also feeling depressed and worried that I will end up with needing more and more implants as older crowned teeth need replacing but I suppose I should try and look on the positive side

QUOTE=lola32]that depends. If the front tooth that has to come out is a lateral incisor, you should never use this tiny little short rooted tooth to support a bridge. If that isn't the case then you have to look at the length or expanse of the new bridge. The more teeth on the bridge, ie the longer it is, is a definate factor. The longer the bridge, the more support it will need and the more problems that will be faced in getting a good fit. A partial denture can be an option as long as there are sturdy teeth to support the clasps and bite forces put on remaining teeth. Although, if you aren't missing any teeth on the upper left then a partial is not an option because there has to be somewhere on the other side for the partial to engage or "clasp". As for a complete denture I would advise you to put it off as long as possible. Save that option for when you have no others. Many people make the mistake of thinking a denture is the same as having your teeth back. It is not. They crowd the tongue, cause dificulty in eating, speaking, etc. And very few people end up with one that is a perfect fit. Most people, unless they had very few teeth to start, wish they had taken better care and avoided a denture. Not only do you taste with your tongue but you also taste with the roof of your mouth so if you have a denture, it lessens your tastes for food. Finally, when no teeth are present the bone gradually starts to resorb, eventually leading to poor fitting dentures, which will need to be relined or remade. If you have trusted your dentist in the past, continue to do so. Implants are not that bad, they are more sturdy than real teeth since the bone attaches directly to them and they are the closest thing to natural teeth you can get. Downside is cost(most insurance companies will not cover them) and the length of time it takes to finish the entire process which can be 3-6 months.[/QUOTE]