Tag Archives: dental bridge

Dental Implant verses Dental Bridge

I have a missing tooth and I’m trying to decide between a dental implant or a dental bridge. Any thoughts?

Brooke S. – Louisiana

Brooke,

The better tooth replacement is a dental implant. Though it is more expensive, it’s like having your own natural tooth back.  There are times though, when a dental bridge would make more sense.

The teeth adjacent to the false tooth have to be shaved down to make room for dental crowns. If your adjacent teeth need work, then that treatment makes sense.

If, however, the adjacent teeth are healthy, it doesn’t make sense to shave them down thereby removing healthy tooth structure. In that case, I would recommend the implant. I’d speak with your dentist and see what he recommends in your case.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

I can’t afford a dental implant

I have a problem and I don’t know what to do. I am having a tooth extracted. My dentist says I have to get a dental implant. However, between the surgery and the restoration, I just can’t afford it. What do I do? I don’t want to leave an empty space in my mouth.

Yvette L. – Maryland

Yvette,

What your dentist is doing is unethical.  He is supposed to give you all your options, not just insist on the ideal treatment. Everybody is on a different budget.

There are other more affordable dental options for your situation. If you can’t afford a dental implant, maybe you can afford a dental bridge or a removable partial denture. If even those are out of your reach, you could get a dental flipper. They are meant to be temporary, but it can fill in if you’re in a pinch and need to save up for a more permanent solution.

I hope this helps.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

 

Retreatment of Root Canal

I have had two retreatments for a root canal. It has started bothering me again. My dentist sent me to an endodontist who said the best treatment option is for me to have the tooth extracted and have a replacement tooth put in. I’d really like to just have it retreated. What do you think I should do?

Brandon S.- Bigelow, AR

Brandon,

The rate of successful root canal re-treatment goes down significantly with each proceeding root canal treatment. The money you would spend on another unsuccessful retreat would be much better spent in having your tooth extracted and then replaced. You can replace it either with a dental implant or a dental bridge.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.