I am losing tooth #24. Two periodontists suggest removal of 4 lower teeth to allow 2 implants and two false teeth. 1 periodontist suggests 1 implant. 3 dentists suggest a bridge with, another 2 dentists suggesting a Maryland bridge. I am totally confused. Please help. I can provide radiographs of my mouth indicating issues with teeth.
- Linda from New York
Dear Linda,
I’m not going to be able to tell, from a distance, even with radiographs, what would be the best for you. But maybe I can help you sort all this information out.
There are often a number of acceptable ways to treat a dental problem, as you are finding out. To go to half a dozen different dentists wanting a consensus, especially with a missing teeth issue like this, is a recipe for confusion. It sounds like you have discovered that on your own. I would suggest choosing one of these dentists that you most feel you can trust and then relying on their input. There is no way you’re going to be able to sort everything out yourself without going to dental school yourself. You’re just going to have to trust one of these dentists, so pick which one you want to trust.
In our office, we present our patients all of the various options, with the advantages and disadvantages of each so that you can make an informed choice.
One way I can help here is to help you weigh what these different dentists are saying. Does the fact that you are seeing periodontists mean that you have significant gum disease? If so, I would give more weight to what the periodontists are saying. A disadvantage of a dental bridge is that you put extra stress on the teeth that are supporting the bridge, which can complicate gum disease. But as to whether you need one implant or two, I can’t tell from this distance, and it could well be that either way would work and you will have to weigh the pros and cons yourself with a dentist you trust.
Related links:
Read about a comparison of dental implants vs. bridges