Dental Implants?? Bridge??

I'm scheduled to go to the dentist in a couple of hours for prep work for a permanent bridge.  My neighbors recommend dental implants instead.  What experience do you guys have with these.  I'm concerned about bone loss too.  Brian

Hey Brian, Hope your appointment went well. A few years ago, I broke a tooth that was part of a longtime bridge eating an onion ring. The tooth broke and cracked in such a way that it had to be removed. My choices were a new bridge that would be weaker (because longer) than the old one or two implants. I went with the implants and have had very good luck. It took a few months for the bone to set up before I had the crowns attached, but the implants themselves worked fine in trhe interim (they're two metal posts). I tend to forget I have them. Because I grind my teeth at night, I was worried about breaking the implants or crowns, but going on 3 years I've had no difficulties. My bridge was great, but I broke the bridge a couple of times and eventually, as noted, I broke one of the teeth anchoring the bridge. I consider the option of implants a godsend in my case. Good luck whichever choice you make.

Knocking on wood as I type it…. Still have great teeth here. At 52yrs old, I still only have only had 4 cavities And one crown, In my entire life. Now, they are the color of a coffee filter… But that’s another issue…. Knee jerk thought? Whine about pain and anxiety till they give you the good drugs!  Best Wishes- Dx

I'd go with the implants over the bridge because it is 100% permanent. You wonlt have to worr about losing the bridge due to cavities in the anchor teeth. Also, your insurance may cover it under major medical if your WL surgeon writes a letter advising it is crucial to your health to be able to chew the food because of WLS. I am working on getting a letter from my WL surgeon right now myself.

An update.  Talked with my dentist.  He is running a referral out for next week to an oral surgeon.  He thinks there is enough bone structure for an implant.  Growing old is no fun.  Growing old with possible bone loss is even less fun.  Brian

Hey Brain you still alive all the fires and stuff up your way ?  All you nor cal fellas doing OK ? I was just there over the weekend and the smoke was thick in the air in chico area .  Every body doing OK ???  Best wishes  Nick

I'm doing good.  The fires are just spotty at this time.  Was worried they might lose Butte Junior College to a major fire.  All of California is in for a long fire season I think.  Brian

good lord.. someone mentioned metal posts, and my butt puckered.  i hate dentists with a passion, and any dental work makes me cringe. i had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled out when i was 34, and then 2 years ago, i had the molar right next to one fo the wisdom teeth spots crack.. that hurt like a mofo.. cause i waited and waited.. and waited.. and when i went in, the side of my face was like a cantelope. they didnt pull it immediately, they made me take anti-biotics for a week.. but they did numb me up that day.. the dentist hit a nerve while dumpin pain meds directly into the gum with a needle, all while my kids sat in the car and waited for me.. i cried like a baby when i got to the car.. my poor kids thought i was dying or something. LOL at anyrate, i feel for you, and hope all goes well, and is as pain free as possible