Would a bridge be suitable for a tooth that is fractured and another that is deeply filled?

Q.
I am a 53 year old female. Have always taken great care of my teeth. Over recent years have been treated by my dentist and hygienist for receding gums. Visited my dentist yesterday with what I though was just a crack in one of my old fillings, only to be told that the tooth was actually fractured vertically. It is in my upper jaw and third from the back. I have a wide smile and it will definitely show if I have it removed. My dentist advised that it may last for a year, (he drilled out the old filling and repacked it)
He was less than helpful about my options and I left the surgery confused and shocked. My question is would I be better off having an implant or a bridge to replace the gap. One of the teeth that would be needed to support the bridge is deeply filled. Also a guide to how much this would cost would be useful.
Thank you very much for your time.
A.
Dear Enquirer,
Thank you for your question. You poor thing!….it must have been a shock to discover your tooth was fractured especially since you’ve always looked after them. If the tooth has split all the way through into the root then there is little hope for a good long term prognosis.
I am presuming that you have all three upper molar teeth and the one that is fractured is the 1st permanent molar. As one of the adjacent teeth is heavily filled then you may well consider a 3 unit bridge to replace the tooth, as the heavily filled tooth may need crowning in the short/medium term. killing two birds with one so to speak. If you don’t want to touch the teeth either side, then an implant is your choice of restoration as the implant screws straight into the bone.
Prices vary but as a guide 3 unit bridges at my practice start at £1800 and implants from £2000.
Do go back to your dentist for some further discussion and I’m sure you will find a suitable solution.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Sunita
Dr Sunita Verma Sparkle Dental Boutique 311 Boston Road, Hanwell, London, W7 2AT Web: www.sparkledentalboutique.co.uk Tel: 020 8567 4344 View My Profile Dr Verma

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