Question:
Due to an auto accident many years ago, I currently have a partial
plate for my three front teeth. I would like replace the partial
with a bridge, my supporting teeth are healthy for this procedure
according to my dentist. (not enought bone for implants). My
concern is internet research seems to indicate bridges last only
3 to 5 years, some sites say up to ten years. If a bridge does
fail
after 3 years, then what? Are the teeth fractured that hold the
bridge?
Does the bridge just wear out and have to be replaced? It seems to
me
the bridges are not a long term dental option. Is the 3-5 year
longevity
stated so if the bridge does fail it does not come back on the
dentist as
not doing the proper dental work? I know each individual is
different
but what is the normal life span of a dental bridge? I would think
there
are some statistics instead of just guessing.
Answer:
Put the implants in before the bone remodels, and the bone stays put. Or
graft it first.
Many people with anterior bridges have the abutments on each end, but
effectively end up with a cantilever bridge when viewed from the occlusal as
the pontics are anterior of both abutments. Chewing on the front pontics
eventually "pops" the bridge loose, or breaks a tooth.
This is why the Local Guy Who Does Implants and Gives Courses recommends
to NOT prep/include the 1st PM along with the canine. IHO, you're better
off hanging those anterior cantilevers from the canines only.
If you look through your patient base, you will see that 6-unit (or 8-unit)
FPD replacing front teeth do NOT succeed in narrow arches. If the curve
from cuspid to cuspid (as seen from the incisal) is almost flat, the FPD
will be fine. If there is a fair amount of anterior curve to this arch,
forget it. The case will fail in just a few very short years.
The last film in the preceding post, "Its a Wonderful Life" is an
example of why Senator McCarthy thought there were subliminal commie
messages in the film indiustry.
Well in this case it was so.
Jimmy Stewart wanted to get together all the homeowners and create a
joint money lending/saving venture so people could buy homes while Old
Mr. Potter, the CAPITALIST only wanted to get everyone's money for
himself!
