4 units bridge or 3 units bridge or Implant?
have a bridge work on lower left. I believe they are teeth 18-19-20 with the missing tooth on number 19. My dentist found a decay under the bridge at tooth # 18 position and minor infection at the root canal of tooth 20. He suggested that I can either extract the decay tooth out and do the implant or replaced current 3 units bridge with 4 unit bridges. He ‘think’ the teeth can be saved but the tooth # 20 may not be strong enough to hold 3 units bridge and that is the reason of his suggestion on 4 units bridge. I am struggling with the idea of loosing the structure of my 4th teeth so before I make a decision, I am wondering if I could get a 2nd opinion please?
1 Comments on 4 units bridge or 3 units bridge or Implant?
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Dr. Carlos Boudet
11/25/2015
It is not possible for anyone to give you a second opinion without looking at your teeth and x-rays, but I can think of some other alternatives, for example.
You can have crown lengthening done on the decayed teeth if the decay is too far under the gums to gain access to it and be able to restore it and retreat the root canal tooth.
Then you can put an implant in the position of the missing tooth (#19) and keep each tooth separate.
If tooth # 20 ever fails, you can put an implant there and still don't have to involve the additional tooth.
Talk to your dentist and ask about your options.
Good luck! Dr. Carlos Boudet
