Dental advice required - denture v bridge.

ashworthm

Recently I had to have a tooth removed and now have a two tooth gap that the dentist has advised will be remedied with a denture (though she hasnt really explained what this piece of kit in my mouth will actually look / feel like).

I have an appointment later this week to begin this course of treatment however I have a few questions / observations that I want to be sure about so I can have an informed discussion with my dentist.

Bit of background about me. I'm with an nhs dentist and i'm currently in receipt of benefits so exempt.

I've done a bit of rummaging around on MSE and would I be correct in thinking that the reason a bridge has not been offered is likely to be a cost consideration as a a bridge is considered an upgrade on a denture and that if dentist feels a denture will suffice then that's what you get?

There was no mention of the teeth either side of the gap being in poor condition and unable to support a bridge.

I participate in some martial arts and wondered what the position would be with regard to those activities and wearing a denture?

I have a small amount of savings and wondered if me offering to contribute towards a bridge would be considered a good option by me?

Could I look at these dental training colleges as a viable option to get a bridge rather than a denture?

I'm also concerned that dentures are likely to knock my confidence even further with regard to job hunting / interviews.

Hope you can help with advice / observations please.

Mike

Ilona

Don't know if this will help, but, I had a one tooth bridge upper jaw, off centre. The tooth supporting this had to come out which left me with a two teeth gap. I was offered a bridge, and could have it on the NHS. I was offered two prices, one for private and one for NHS. I took the private option, £800, because it meant that it was dealt with quicker, and the dentist said better materials would be used. This was about six years ago.

I suffered a smack in the mouth at work, a month or two after the new bridge was fitted. A piece of equipment I was using sprung up from below and hit the bridge in an upward motion. Luckily I was able to tilt my head to take some of the force. No damage, but I think if it had been a blow from the front the supporting teeth might have cracked.

Sorry, I can't give you any advice, just my experiences
Ilona

amcg100

Definitely do not get a bridge. Your dentist would need to drill away two healthy teeth on either side of the gap.( unless they are already crowned )

I would go for the dentures as a temporary measure while you save up for an implant ( or you may have enough in your savings ) - an implant would cost about £1500 in the UK but thy are much cheaper abroad. An implant is also a good investment, since four implants are enough for a full set of teeth. You would only need one for your missing two teeth. Ask your dentist to refer you to a specialist who doe implants.

Toothsmith

An awful lot of the answer to that question would be dependent on just what the conditions are in your mouth, which needs to be seen to be assessed.

There are many reasons why a denture might have been suggested over a bridge at this time.

if the teeth either side of the gap are in good condition, then a denture is probably preferable to a bridge, because a bridge will cause damage to these teeth in the preparation. A denture will cause no further damage. There are adhesive bridges that casuse less damage, but these are discussions you need to have with the dentist.

There are also implants. They replace the tooth with no damage to other teeth either. These are expensive , and not available on the NHS, but with a denture, the door remains open to having one later if your financial position improves.

The big factor here might also be your participation in contact sports.

So long as you actively participate in a sport that might get you a smack in the mouth, a denture would be the far superior option.

The denture should be left out during the sport (And the properly made gum shield should be in your mouth - so no one will notice).

If a bridge took a knock during a match, then it would do far more damage to the teeth supporting it than if there were no bridge - even with a good gum shield.

I would ask your dentist to explain the options a bit more thoroughly, both the options you have now, and what might be possible later on if/when you are in a better financial position and have finished actively participating in contact sports.

But I get the feeling that at the moment, the denture is your best option, and if you don't have one, then a proper dentist-made gum shield is probably other best investment you could make for your future dental health.

mikeashworth

Thankyou all, you've definitely given me some great info on areas to discuss with my dentist later in the week :-)