# Do I want a dental implant or a bridge? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 12, 2022, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524 "2022-08-12T01:18:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/1 "2022-08-12T01:18:19Z")
Yesterday a crown fell off a tooth while I was eating. I went to the dentist today, hoping they could just glue it back on. HA! No chance. The tooth is on the bottom right. Going by this picture, I think it’s the one labeled “first molar,” or maybe “second molar.” It’s not right in front, but not hidden way in back either. [![](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/00/ae/fc/00aefc39a0b18624835ac44b8b1b19cb.jpg) ](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/00/ae/fc/00aefc39a0b18624835ac44b8b1b19cb.jpg) The dentist said my options were a bridge or an implant. I’ve never had a bridge. I do have an implant on the upper left, way in the back. Doing an implant is a long and tedious process, taking six to eight months for everything to heal and be finalized. But when it’s in, it’s in to stay. (I don’t believe those commercials that say you can get implants in one day.) I never really considered a bridge-- don’t know why. But I was talking to a friend (an old lady like me) on the phone just now, and she suggested I consider a bridge. Mostly because it’s a shorter process and less invasive. I didn’t even discuss a bridge with the dentist, just jumped right to the implant. I guess because I already have one. He showed me the x-ray, and the teeth on either side of the bad tooth look solid enough to handle a bridge. I don’t have dental insurance, but paying for either one would be no hardship, so cost is **not** a factor in my decision-making process. My appointment at the dentist is tomorrow morning (Friday, Aug 12). We were going to start the implant process, but now I think I’d like to have a conversation about the bridge option. Thoughts? Experiences? Considerations? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/2 "2022-08-12T01:23:25Z")
I’m following this because recently had a tooth extracted, and I am making the same decision. I was told an implant was $3,000. How much is a bridge? ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/3 "2022-08-12T01:32:44Z")
No experience with either here, but [this source says:](https://www.dentalassociatesoflodi.com/dental-implant-vs-bridge-cost/) > [@](#): > > The up front cost of a dental bridge [fake tooth anchored to adjacent natural teeth] is significantly lower than that of a dental implant [tiny screw fused into jawbone and eventually topped with fake tooth. “Fake tooth” is my layperson impression and not a medically accurate term, sorry]. However, when amortized over a lifetime, a bridge is far more expensive. That’s because dental implants can easily last for the rest of your life, while dental bridges need to be replaced, on average, every 10 years. If you are on a tight budget, you may prefer a dental bridge. If you can make the investment, though, a dental implant is the better way to go. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/4 "2022-08-12T01:32:55Z")
I didn’t ask anything about the bridge because I didn’t even consider it. I will ask tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/5 "2022-08-12T01:33:44Z")
I’ve had both. If money isn’t an issue, implants are better. Bridges can be a pain to clean under. I use a waterpik on mine but my wife threads floss under hers. You’ve got to keep at it. With an implant, you don’t have to alter your hygiene practices. The procedure was pretty painless for me, it felt odd but not painful to have the dentist use a socket wrench to screw the titanium into my jaw. It does take some time for the bone to grow into the screw so it’s solid enough for the crown. For me it took several months- first extract the dead tooth, let the gum tissue heal, put in the screw, let the bone grow into it, then finally get the crown. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/6 "2022-08-12T01:36:26Z")
Yes, I’ve had an implant and what you’re describing matches my experience. I don’t particularly want to go through that long process again. My implant was $4,000. Out of pocket. Cost is not a consideration. I didn’t know about the bridge-cleaning thing. That’s helpful to know. Replace every 10-ish years? Well, I’m 73 now… so maybe if I’m careful I could make it last as long as I do. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/7 "2022-08-12T01:37:50Z")
I am in the same situation with the same tooth, I’m going with the bridge. The implant would (for me) require a bone graft, something I don’t want to endure for a hidden tooth. Also I have had another bridge for 15 years now, an Oral B pulsating spin brush keeps it clean, no problems. I figure a bridge should last me for life at this point. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/8 "2022-08-12T01:42:48Z")
This is very helpful. I will also need a bone graft. How much is your bridge going to cost without insurance? I do use an Oral-B electric brush. (Had the Sonicare, didn’t like it.) ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/9 "2022-08-12T01:45:08Z")
I believe its like $1600. Still don’t like the idea of grinding down two perfectly good teeth to do it, but the time is important to me. Get it done I say to myself. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/10 "2022-08-12T01:48:33Z")
That’s what I was going to ask: what is the procedure on the teeth that the bridge will be anchored to? Just a quick google said a root canal might need to be done on the adjacent teeth so caps can be put on them to support the fake tooth. That sounds like almost as much trouble as an implant, if shorter in time to get it done. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/11 "2022-08-12T01:51:52Z")
The bridge will be anchored by the two adjacent teeth. They need to be ground down (much like preparing for a crown) and a three piece tooth is put on. Thus bridging over the missing tooth. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/12 "2022-08-12T01:52:09Z")
I had an implant about thirty years ago and have had basically no problems with it since then. I do avoid toffee and other sticky candies. So, yes, it’s a process but I think it’s worth it. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/13 "2022-08-12T01:54:35Z")
Oh, ok. I get it. What about underneath the fake tooth, where the bad tooth was pulled? Is that just a cavity that nature eventually fills in-- I had a tooth pulled on top way in the back and eventually the hole just disappeared. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/14 "2022-08-12T01:57:11Z")
I’ve been totally satisfied with my implant. In 30 years, I’ll be 103. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/15 "2022-08-12T01:59:14Z")
It never really fills in. And the gap needs to be cleaned in order to prevent any rot to the two teeth serving as the anchors. Or something like a seed could get lodged in there and pry the bridge off. A rare thing, but could happen. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/16 "2022-08-12T02:01:38Z")
This is very helpful to know. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/17 "2022-08-12T02:18:27Z")
I had that happen (crown fell off) right at the start of covid. This dragged everything out a great deal(my dentist would only allow one patient in the clinic at a time so appointments were well spaced on the calendar) I went with a denture to replace the bad tooth. I’m to old to care about impressing anyone, and don’t want to spend the money on either a bridge or an implant. I’ve just got more important things to worry about and spend money on at this point in my life. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/18 "2022-08-12T02:29:02Z")
How does that work? Did the dentist pull the tooth that lost the crown\*? And is the fake tooth attached with wires to the adjoining teeth? Any problems? * * * \* The Tooth That Lost the Crown…a chapter in English history? ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/19 "2022-08-12T02:30:35Z")
I have no lower molars, havent for well over 15 years. I wish I could get implants, but Im guessing my jaw wouldnt support that.😩 ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2022, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524/20 "2022-08-12T02:43:55Z")
It wouldn’t hurt to investigate. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-want-a-dental-implant-or-a-bridge/969524.md?page=2)