Front Crown Teeth

[peter chi]

Hello - my upper front four teeth are crowned and have done amazingly well I guess.

However, unfortunately I gather after an x-ray there is a lateral crack in the root of one of my two front teeth.

My dentist suggests there are two options, to replace the remaining three caps with a bridge to include the fourth tooth, or to have an implant on the fourth tooth. He feels that in the event of an implant the other caps should be replaced anyway as the fit is not now perfect with a little gap betweent he cap and the gum line.

He reckons on balance the bridge is the best option.

I would really appreciate your thoughts please. Fortunately I am lucky in that money is not a concern, I just want the best solution.

There are possbly a couple of other considerations. I am 60, so would like something that will last well despite my age! I also slightly dread have a missing front tooth if I have an implant (for the time it takes to bond with my jaw).

Finally, one other question. I didnt fully take in my dentist's comment about the bridge work. I know he said he would fit a temporary bridge straight away, but I am not sure how long he felt this should remain in place to allow the gum to heal? What would be normal and is it possible to pay an additional fee and have the final bridge made and fitted more quickly and would there be any disadvantages. I also gather that a bridge will place existing stress on the remaining teeth, is there anything that can be done to improve its durability?

Thank you

 

[Busybee]

So sorry to hear about your cracked root. I don't have a bridge or implant (yet!) but I do worry about needing one in the future if anything happens to my front crowns, but if you are not having any symptoms I'd get a second opinion on whether there are any other options. It's just that a cracked root is meant to be excruciatingly painful. If it were my mouth I'd try the implant and if it doesn't work out then go for a bridge. If you have enough bone and it works out then the other teeth aren't going to be weakened. You can always have a bridge later. I understand that people wear temp bridges for months if necessary. It can take a bit of getting used to. The other thing to note is that bone can reduce in the area where there is no tooth. That's one reason they recommend implants. But you do need to go a to really good specialist. I have friends who have had problems with poorly fitted implants. You may need it replaced in ten years. The other thing to consider is the amount of hygiene with a bridge. There's also special cleaning for an implant but maybe easier to clean around it.

 

[MattKW]

Since the other teeth are already crowned and holding well, I would go for the bridge too. An implant is more suited when the adjacent teeth have not been damaged by previous fillings or crowns. An implant is a whole new scenario with its own risks. And when implants fail, you don't simply drop in a new one. It wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion.