Bridge or Implant

[MakemineGumby]

Hi all,

I am torn after discussion with my dentist. I am missing #12 and #14 teeth. I have lots of options including doing nothing (bad idea) and the following:

Bridge over 12 and leave gap at 14
Bridge over both 12 and 14
Implant just 12
Implant both 12 and 14

Obviously implants are more invasive and costly. But if something goes wrong in the future less risk to remaining teeth. Looking for advice.

 

[Dr M]

If you have the finances, then a dental implant is always a better idea, since there is no damage to the adjacent teeth and the long term prognosis of implants is better than that of a bridge. If finances is an issue, then you can consider a bridge for the 12 only, and leave the 14 for now, with a possible retainer in order to prevent movement of the teeth. You can then consider another bridge or implant at a later stage.
Also a cheaper option, but something that is removable, is a partial denture, but it can also be used as a temp option until you have finances for both the 12 and 14 implants.