wisdom in getting a three unit bridge ?

[Eblin]

The 2nd tooth from the back of my mouth which had a (failed) root canal now has a abscess.  Needless to say, I was a bit shocked, since I didn't have any pain, or anything like that, just a lump that came and went away and came ...

Well, since the doc said the tooth couldn't be saved anymore, he suggested a three unit bridge.  This means that the two other teeth that are still fine would be given crowns, and it would cost around $5K when everything is done.

When I talked to some friends that had this, they told me it doesn't last very long, and if one of teeth that now would have crowns on them would ever have a issue, then you will need to redo the three unit bridge.  They both take very good care of their mouth, and one three unit bridge lasted only 5 years, the other person said they had issues on the 3rd year, and had to go through the expense all over again.

This is why I am trying to understand what the best thing to do would be, and if I should start the three unit bridge treatment, or is there a better method ?

BTW, he said there wasn't enough bone for a implant.

I really don't see why there isn't a "snap on" type of fake tooth that can be held in place with some kind of C snaps or something like that, it isn't like people are going to notice anything back their when you smile or anything.
Then you can remove it & clean the teeth when needed, instead of using special PITA tools for the three unit bridge treatment.

[Eblin]

Got a small update, I went in to see the endodontist for a second opinion, and he told me that he don't see why the dentist said I needed a extraction.
So he is going to do a retreatment, and was pretty confident it will work.

I am unsure how I can get two completely different opinions.

Sure hope the dentist wasn't trying to pull a fast one... if this does work out as the endodontist says, then, trust with the dentist is out the window.

[Gellia]

Oops.  Sorry.  I missed the part about the bone loss.  Have you seen an oral surgeon that does implants?  Bone can be added, allowed to heal and then an implant placed.  

Only problem with a removable partial for back teeth is that it is difficult to chew, not impossible, but difficult because they are not held that firmly in the mouth.  Only by small clips to other teeth.  It's also one of the reasons that a three unit bridge may fail sooner rather than one in the front.  It takes alot of force to chew.

For that reason, IMO, I also don't think a mini implant would work.  It has to be able to handle the forces of mastication and a mini doesn't go into bone the way a regular implant does.

If you have it checked by an oral surgeon specializing in implants you may find he can place one with the added bone.  Otherwise, I'm with mammo.
Unless you take very good care of a back bridge the anchor teeth will decay and then they wind up being lost, too.

GOOD LUCK and let us know what you decide.  
My best to you,
Gellia

[Eblin]

Thanks for the information.
It would have been nice if the dentist would have explained all the possible choices I had, instead of going for the most(?) expensive one.

After reading around some more, it seems the nylon Nesbit would be a good choice, it basically is what I was talking about above, but I can't find cost information so far, just that it is much cheaper than a three unit bridge.

Still trying to see how much a mini dental implant would cost, or if it is even feasible to do.  It is supposed to be cheaper & less heal time than the normal dental implants.

[Gellia]

Have you considered and implant?

[mammo]

You DO have the option for a partial where the wires attach to other teeth and it can be removed whenever you want to remove it.  So long as you keep the areas clean you won't have any issues.  You need to let your dentist know that this is what you want...they make a lot more money off of bridges.  I had a 3 unit bridge for over 25 years with no problems.  You need to brush thoroughly but gently around bridges and always floss under them...if not this is where the decay can start which is when bridgework fails.  For me, with age I got some gum recession and one of my teeth started to decay.  You have other choices and let your dentist know you want a partial, that's what I had long before the bridge.  I would have stuck with the partial had I known that problems can and do arise from decay under bridgework.  Dentists are always up-selling, if you don't want a bridge....get a partial.  Bridges are always an option in the future, but I wouldn't do it at this point.