Re: Implant vs. bridge
- From: Steven Bornfeld <dentaltwinmung@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 07 Apr 2006 20:42:05 GMT
abc wrote:
I am about to do an implant on #8 (upper molar). I've read up way back
on this newsgroup about pros and cons. What makes my case different is
that I am also simultaneously redoing the existing crowns #7 and #9, so
a bridge would not be an invasive option. My prosthodontist and oral
surgeon recomment an implant; but I get a feeling they always do.
Should I at least consider a bridge instead?
Would an implant save me money, long term? And if it does, one would
expect insurance companies to want to pay for implants, just like they
want to pay for other measures that save them money over the long run,
no? I mean, if it's so good, why don't they cover at least $300 or
something towards an implant, the price they would be forced to cover
anyway if the patient chooses the bridge option? Sounds like good
business to me.
Thanks to all the wonderful dentists there, I am very appreciative of
your time.
There is no one right answer. An implant is better in that the restoration is self-supporting, and flossing can be done in the conventional way. But the major selling point is often that the surrounding teeth don't need to be prepared, and this isn't an issue here. Furthermore, you already state that crowns on #7 and #9 are being replaced anyway. If they are in good shape periodontally the only other reason to do the implant is that it is likely to preserve the bony ridge--the loss of which can occasionally cause cosmetic problems if you have a high lip line and show a lot of tooth when you smile. Selling an implant based on the hypothetical loss of #7 and 9 is really self-serving of the surgeon.
If #7 and 9 aren't in good shape periodontally it's a completely different story. But in your case I would have a hard time justifying an implant.
JMO,
Steve
.
- References:
- Implant vs. bridge
- From: abc
- Implant vs. bridge
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