Dental Implants or a bridge?

[gbutler]

Hello,

I has two back teeth removed (30 and 31) and the dentist is pushing for implants.  I'm 55 and have put it off for a year and since I changed insurance I've learned about the 'missing tooth' clause.

Since it's in the back, is a bridge a good option?

I also work for an airline and can go overseas.  Where would be the best place to get an implant done at a reasonable rate?

Thanks,

Gbutler

[Dana821]

My suggestion would be if 2 implants are too expensive then consider only replacing the #30 site to an implant.  This is where you do 75% of your chewing anyway however the other consequence of not replacing the #31 tooth is you might still have your upper right second molar #2.  If this is the case, if you don't replace the #31 then your natural #2 molar will "supraerupt" into the lower tooth position.  What this simply means is that the upper tooth opposite to the missing lower teeth will drop lower thus causing you to have to have them orthodontically moved back into their normal positions (time/money costly) or they would have to be cut down and crowned, possibly even root canaled.

From working 20 years in dental, get 2 implants providing the bone is still there and be done with it.  Don't wait too long because the bone will melt away thus causing more expense later...........

Good luck.  Plus in the US, Florida in particular there is a "discount" dental insurance plan, it's called Vital Savings from Aetna.  It's 10 bucks a month and will usually provide you a 40-50% savings when purchasing/getting an implant.  Just remember that the implant does not replace the tooth portion, it is only an "artificial root" and you will have to have a "abutment" and "tooth" made to complete the treatment.

Dana from Florida

[StratRebel]

A bridge requires a tooth on both sides to hold it in, wisdom teeth usually make horrible abutments because of odd angles.

If you want discount AND quality care, don't leave the US.  Find a dental school where you can be assured of the best quality.  Texas and Oklahoma have some of the best.