Need Opinion by Dentist

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ken - 05 May 2005 02:02 GMT

Teeth 18-20 are missing thanks to having a bridge removed. It was a 4 unit
bridge anchored to 17 and 20 but 20 went bad and had to be extracted. (i
assume 20 is the one closest to the front).

So now I have a space of 3.. #17 has a partitioned bridge.

My options are:

1- 5 unit bridge anchored by 17 and 21
2- implants..18 and 20 with a 3 piece bridge across
3- Partial denture for 18-20

My feelings are that a 5 unit bridge anchored by 17 and 21 is not sufficient
support. All my prior bridges always ended up with decay at some point in
time and had to be removed.
Implants will be time consuming... Also my insurance company has a clause of
least expense. Meaning if there is a way to fill a gap that they will
approve the least expensive treatment. So, the implants would be out of
pocket... Also would be a time issue since I just had a socket graft in #20.
A partial denture... I don't know the pros and cons except that it must be
cleaned after meals.

Any advice from those who are experienced in this field would be
appreciated.

Regards, Ken

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Tony Bad - 05 May 2005 02:08 GMT

Cost aside, I think implants would be best choice.

I agree with your view of bridge...that is a long span to hang on a third
molar.

Partial denture would work, and if well designed and made, could be quite
stable since you have #17 to provide support on the distal (back) end.

Check with your insurance about the implants. Have dentist submit
pre-treatment estimate explaining bridge is a poor option due to span and
condition of #17. Most insurance plans will not recommend a unilateral
partial denture as an alternate or least costly care option. Even if they do
have the least expense clause, you can usually apply what they do pay to
care of your choosing.

Even if they do cover the implants, it is probable the benefit will be a
drop in the bucket compared to total cost.

Good luck

T

> Teeth 18-20 are missing thanks to having a bridge removed. It was a 4 unit
> bridge anchored to 17 and 20 but 20 went bad and had to be extracted. (i
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
>
> Regards, Ken

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Alexander Vasserman DDS - 06 May 2005 08:01 GMT

I would recommend the implants
you can have 2 implants placed (to replace #20 and #18) and a 3 unit
bridge to fill #20,19,18 space, or 3 separate implants.

I too think that doing a 5 unit bridge is not good but if you do not
want implants you can add another unit to the bridge ie 6 units #22-17
to provide better support and prevent flexure of the bridge due to long
span, just remember if you get decay as you had in the past changing a
6 unit bridge gets more expensive long term.

> Cost aside, I think implants would be best choice.
>
[quoted text clipped - 48 lines]
> >
> > Regards, Ken

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