Recently, a patient arrived with a toothache. Unfortunately, the pain was due to a fractured tooth. It was not possible to fix this tooth. The dentist removed the tooth right away.
It is important to replace most missing teeth. Today, there are more options than before. Two of the most common techniques to replace a single tooth are the three unit fixed bridge and the implant retained crown. The dentist examines their patient and understands their oral and medical health before recommending the best way to replace a missing tooth. Ultimately, it is the patient's prerogative to choose the best replacement technique for them.
Dentists do not replace teeth until the patient's gums are healthy and all teeth are free of decay. To replace a tooth with a three unit bridge, the dentist reshapes the two teeth (abutment teeth) on either side of the missing tooth to allow for a thickness of gold and/or porcelain in order to fully or partially cover the tooth. In other words, the dentist will shave down two teeth up to 2 millimeters to be able to place a bridge to replace one missing tooth. Those teeth could become sensitive and may need root canal treatment before or after the bridge is in place. The dentist sends a mold of the teeth with instructions to a dental lab. Normally, the patient leaves with a temporary bridge after the first appointment, and the porcelain/metal bridge is in place within a few weeks, by the end of the second or third visit.
The three unit bridge is a natural choice for a patient who will benefit from crowns on the abutment teeth. Dentists recommend crowns (also known as caps) for teeth with large restorations (fillings), or teeth that would benefit from a cosmetic change of shape or color. Crowns and bridges can be instrumental in correcting a malocclusion or bad bite.
It is important to replace most missing teeth. Today, there are more options than before. Two of the most common techniques to replace a single tooth are the three unit fixed bridge and the implant retained crown. The dentist examines their patient and understands their oral and medical health before recommending the best way to replace a missing tooth. Ultimately, it is the patient's prerogative to choose the best replacement technique for them.
Dentists do not replace teeth until the patient's gums are healthy and all teeth are free of decay. To replace a tooth with a three unit bridge, the dentist reshapes the two teeth (abutment teeth) on either side of the missing tooth to allow for a thickness of gold and/or porcelain in order to fully or partially cover the tooth. In other words, the dentist will shave down two teeth up to 2 millimeters to be able to place a bridge to replace one missing tooth. Those teeth could become sensitive and may need root canal treatment before or after the bridge is in place. The dentist sends a mold of the teeth with instructions to a dental lab. Normally, the patient leaves with a temporary bridge after the first appointment, and the porcelain/metal bridge is in place within a few weeks, by the end of the second or third visit.
The three unit bridge is a natural choice for a patient who will benefit from crowns on the abutment teeth. Dentists recommend crowns (also known as caps) for teeth with large restorations (fillings), or teeth that would benefit from a cosmetic change of shape or color. Crowns and bridges can be instrumental in correcting a malocclusion or bad bite.
Comments
I sure hope I never have to deal with replacing a tooth!
I was wondering about how well a bridge would be rceived as a foreign object in one's mouth. The fact that you have stated that the three unit bridges feel natural is very helpful. It is a real shame that teeth are not almost bullet proof as it is easy to chip or lose one or more if a person is not careful. Anyway, great article. Happy Thanksgiving! :^
Lynn, Costs are very different by location state by state, city by city, even by office. Without insurance, you can expect that a three unit bridge and an implant retained crown will cost within a few hundred dollars of each other. Thank you for pointing out that I missed this.
Of course, the bottom line for most of is is out-of-pocket costs. Without insurance, what does each of these two options cost?
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