What Would Be The Better Option For Me A Dental Implant Or A Resin Bonded Bridge?

Q.
Hi. My dentist has recommended a resin bonded bridge over an implant for my top left lateral tooth, as he does not believe the space of 6.5 millimeters is sufficient to enable an implant to be successfully inserted. Is this correct? The internet suggests that the minimum is nearer to 5 millimeters (allowing for 1 millimeter gap either side of the tooth).
He has also expressed concern that the bone may need grafting as traditionally the bone is thin in this area and usually inserts only last 10-12 years (with added risk of infection) opposed to the resin bond bridge which lasts up to 8 years normally. Again are these assertions correct/normal?
A.
To answer your questions properly I’d need to see some recent photographs, X-rays of the area and ideally a CT scan. 6.5mm is very tight on the space, especially considering that the average width of a lateral incisor is approx. 8mm. You also need to look at the tooth size on the other side to see if symmetry is achievable? The angulation of the roots of the teeth either side needs to be assessed carefully as the space between the roots (in 3 dimensions, not 2) is just as important as the space available for the ‘crown’. How long ago was the tooth lost? Was any orthodontic treatment subsequently carried out to it being lost? Has an orthodontic solution been discussed to create more ideal space (i.e. 8mm or the width required to match the other side)?  Is the dentist in question very experienced with implants (Should be to do something like this)? Ask to see photos of similar cases that they’ve done so you can be confident they really know what they are doing.

Finally get a second opinion from someone very experienced with implants before committing to any complex treatment or surgery.

Hope that helps and highlights that you need to ask far more questions before proceeding. Regards, Mark.

Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

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