Foo - Dental Implants? Bridge?

5 years ago I had my 2nd molar (bottom right) crack in a freak bike accident, at that time, I had a root canal and a cap placed on the tooth. For the last two years, this tooth has caused some on / off pain. For the last few days, I have had a major tooth ache along with a constant migraine headache. Yesterday I had my tooth checked out by two different dentists, both tell me the tooth needs to come out ASAP.

To replace the tooth, I have two options, an implant, or a bridge. One dentist says go with the implant, it will last longer, and look more natural, however it takes up to 6 months to complete the process and will cost ~$1100 out of pocket. The other dentist recommends the bridge, cheaper (by $200), faster to replace, but it may not last as long, and they need to file down the teeth that are next to the bum molar.

Does anyone here have personal experience with either an implant or a bridge for a molar? I am going to have the tooth pulled within the next few days (if not today), and need to know what replacement I want within a few weeks.

I haven't had one, but every time I've talked to people who've been in a similar situation, they've chosen the implant. I'm in a similar situation, although I have at least a year or so before I have to make a decision, and I'm definitely going to do the implant. It's going to last longer and look better, which will really ease your mind if you're concerned about how it will look. Do the implant, cough up the cost... you can do it!

Koffee

Ugh, I am so not looking forward to the process, I hate dental work.

My former boss had a bunch of implants done. He said the dentist gave him the "missionary rate", whatever that is.

Don't overlook barter. At least offer some web work, bicycle repair or something that may help offset the cost.

Good luck!

I've had a bridge in the same area, only an upper, for 15 years or more with no problems whatsoever. From what I remember it was relativly quick and aggrivation free. Best of all it's a non-invasive procedure. The likelyhood of something going wrong are almost nil... and it's in the back of your mouth. Who's going to see it?

Tho' some of my rattie kids are intrigued by the shiny metal when they are doing some deep mouth exploration. :)

I can offer this advise from as a member of a family of dentist.

You only get one set of real teeth and you will need them till you die. Don't skimp on dental work. Get the best and most current procedures/techniques you can afford, including cosmetics.

Hope this helps, and feel free to barter, people do it all the time. My grandfather has a nice collection of handguns and jewelry as a result.

ehenz

That's good advice and humorous too. I can see it now- "I'll trade you two dental implants for a good .357..." :D

Koffee

Welp, it looks like i am going to keep the tooth!

Down side? I have to have the root canal re-done, and if the tooth doesn't stabilize or get better in a week, I'll have it extracted and then get an implant.

If this happens, my dentist will take the cost of the root canal, and apply it to the cost of the implant, so i wont have to pay twice for the same tooth.

I cycle with a fellow who is 68. After 20-30 years, bridge work has to be redone, and often if a root canal was not performed, it will have to be done at this time. I've had bridge work. They damage 2 good teeth to repair 1. I'd definately go with an implant. Sounds like you have a good dentist since he will apply the cost of the root canal to the implant.

Sounds like the original root canal was not done right. All the nerves should have been destroyed and pain should be a non issue unless you have some sort of infection.

In any event I'd get implants. 1100.00 is not bad for an implant. It's the latest rage dude!

You could also get gold and have your initials or a tiny playboy bunny engraved into it ;)

There are implants available that can have you walking out the door with the complete restoration done... in the same day.
Implants have come a long way recently. Same day, immediate loading implants are a reality. Ask your Dr about it. If he hasn't heard about it, or thinks it's hogwash, find a new Doc.

A friend of mine claims his dentist once told him, "A bridge will not be enough. You need a ferry." :D

--J