Could I not have a new bridge from Ur1 to Ur4? or is this too long???
Q. I currently have a bridge fitted in the front of my mouth, Ur2-Ur4 Ur1 it tender when tapped, as I often get a gum boil above the bridge, so I was hoping my dentist would do rootcanal in UR1 and fit a new bridge. My bridge has been there for over 18 years and only in the last two years my gums have shrunk so you can see the enamel of the bridge. My dentist has not recommended a new bridge as the bone has obvious shrunk over the last 18 years, he has recommended implants supporting a bridge at £5500.00, unfortunatley I can not afford this now as I am a stay at home mum. So my husband foots the bill! could I not have a new bridge from Ur1 to Ur4? or is this too long??? Many thanks.
A. A bridge requires strong teeth to hold it successfully in place. Also the underlying bone supporting the bridge needs to be of good height to stop the teeth moving. A four unit bridge is not too long provided the above aspects are reasonable. If the remaining teeth have posts in them a bridge is generally not a good idea as they are are very prone to failure. In this instance an implant retained bridge to replace the missing teeth is the best option provided there is enough bone to put the implants into. Obviously cost is an issue and a 4 unit bridge is likely to be the cheaper option.
Hope this helps but difficult to give your more advice without having seen you for an examination.
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