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I'm 70, I have a 3 unit bridge #30, 31, 32. I lost #31 at 25 and had a partial for about 10 years then got a bridge. About 10 years ago the bridge was replaced because the dentist said he was sure there was decay under it (there wasn't). Now my new dentist says that he's sure there's decay under it and wants to remove the bridge and suggested that I consider two crowns and an implant rather than another bridge. The only trouble I've ever had with the bridge is the inconvenience of having to use floss threaders to clean under it. The dentist I'm seeing doesn't do implants so I don't think he's recommending it to get more money.
So, should I even consider the idea of an implant, or just have a new bridge made? (I swear if there's no decay under it this time I'm gonna sock the dentist) At my age and given the length of time since I lost the tooth, is there even a chance that I would have enough bone there to support an implant?
I'm 70, I have a 3 unit bridge #30, 31, 32. I lost #31 at 25 and had a partial for about 10 years then got a bridge. About 10 years ago the bridge was replaced because the dentist said he was sure there was decay under it (there wasn't). Now my new dentist says that he's sure there's decay under it and wants to remove the bridge and suggested that I consider two crowns and an implant rather than another bridge. The only trouble I've ever had with the bridge is the inconvenience of having to use floss threaders to clean under it. The dentist I'm seeing doesn't do implants so I don't think he's recommending it to get more money.
So, should I even consider the idea of an implant, or just have a new bridge made? (I swear if there's no decay under it this time I'm gonna sock the dentist) At my age and given the length of time since I lost the tooth, is there even a chance that I would have enough bone there to support an implant?
They should be able to tell if there's enough bone to support an implant via a specialized cat scan. I had such done, by an oral surgeon, who specializes in implants. The answer came back yes, I have enough bone, go ahead with the implant. Please, stop thinking everything a health care professional recommends is "to get money" I doubt they get kickbacks in terms of actual money, however, it can be a you-scratch-my-back-I''l scratch yours" arrangement. Perhaps seek out a second opinion from an oral surgeon of your choice? Regardless, remember, your teeth are too important to your overall health to bargain-shop
They should be able to tell if there's enough bone to support an implant via a specialized cat scan. I had such done, by an oral surgeon, who specializes in implants. The answer came back yes, I have enough bone, go ahead with the implant. Please, stop thinking everything a health care professional recommends is "to get money" I doubt they get kickbacks in terms of actual money, however, it can be a you-scratch-my-back-I''l scratch yours" arrangement. Perhaps seek out a second opinion from an oral surgeon of your choice? Regardless, remember, your teeth are too important to your overall health to bargain-shop
Thanks, I called an implant dentist near my home a few minutes ago, she said she would do at CT scan for free if I wanted to find out, so I will probably go see her on Tuesday.
And I don't think the dentist was trying to make money...I only added that to avoid having people jump in the discussion and start saying that the dentist suggested the implant because he can make more money with that than just with a bridge.
I agree about the importance of teeth to overall health. I take excellent care of my teeth, the money I have spent on my teeth could have bought a very nice car.
Thanks, I called an implant dentist near my home a few minutes ago, she said she would do at CT scan for free if I wanted to find out, so I will probably go see her on Tuesday.
And I don't think the dentist was trying to make money...I only added that to avoid having people jump in the discussion and start saying that the dentist suggested the implant because he can make more money with that than just with a bridge.
I agree about the importance of teeth to overall health. I take excellent care of my teeth, the money I have spent on my teeth could have bought a very nice car.
LOL---The money we spent on our kids braces could have bought a house!
Implants last longer than just about anything else in dentistry. If your dentist thinks you would be a good candidate for implants, then you should at least have a consultation with an oral surgeon or periodontist that places implants, and then decide.
LOL---The money we spent on our kids braces could have bought a house!
Well I live in California where houses are crazy expensive so I can't say the kids braces would have bought a house, but they were expensive and at the time my dental insurance didn't cover a penny of the expense.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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My 3 implants all had bone grafts, $400 and not covered by my insurance. With dual coverage from my work and my wife's, they covered about half of the implants and crowns, still about $2,000 each. My dentist insisted they would last the rest of my life (was 63 for the last one).
It's all about priorities. You can also look at your house and say "I could have gotten a cheaper house and straightened all my kids teeth for this money!" It's a choice.
Implants last longer than just about anything else in dentistry. If your dentist thinks you would be a good candidate for implants, then you should at least have a consultation with an oral surgeon or periodontist that places implants, and then decide.
Thanks, in that case then I will follow up with the implant doc on Tuesday. My dentist didn't really commit to whether I was a good candidate he said it looked ok to him but the periodontist would have to make the decision.
My 3 implants all had bone grafts, $400 and not covered by my insurance. With dual coverage from my work and my wife's, they covered about half of the implants and crowns, still about $2,000 each. My dentist insisted they would last the rest of my life (was 63 for the last one).
My insurance is crap but fortunately I have the money, it just means we will watch Travel shows about Italy this year instead of going on vacation there
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