Dental Bridge

Author
Discussion

B17NNS

Original Poster:

18,506 posts

254 months

Tuesday 3rd August 2010
quotequote all
Are they available on the NHS?

My two front teeth were both damaged when I was a teenager and they were crowned.

Earlier this year one became very loose and my dentist told me it needed to be removed and gave me the option of a denture (NHS) or an implant (private).

As it would take some healing before I considered the option of a (very expensive) implant I opted to have the tooth removed and have a denture temporarily.

Basically I hate it and am researching implants, however somebody has since said to me why were you not offered a bridge.

Anyway, I'm off for a check up and scale and polish next week and want to know why I wasn't offered this option ie most of the benefits of an implant but massively cheaper.

Another friend suggested that NHS dentists don't like doing bridge work as their fees are capped.


Driller

8,310 posts

285 months

Wednesday 4th August 2010
quotequote all
A bridge would be offered on the NHS.

However unless your other crowned incisor is very solid, a bridge would be a poor choice as the lateral incisor on the side of the lost tooth would give very poor support 'small root) and would be damaged by being prepared as a bridge support which kind of defeats the object.

This is the beauty of implants as they exist on their own without the need to touch adjacent teeth.

If the other crowned tooth is very sturdy then technically you could cantilever another central incisor off this but it's not optimum and you'd always have to be careful with it.

It's difficult to comment in this situation without seeing radiographs and study models.

MacGee

2,513 posts

237 months

Wednesday 4th August 2010
quotequote all
basically....your dentist didnt give you price for private bridge which tells me that a bridge is not possible...so no probs there. So no infringement of NHS regs...

B17NNS

Original Poster:

18,506 posts

254 months

Wednesday 4th August 2010
quotequote all
Brill, thanks for the replies chaps.

My other top front (sorry about terminology) has a very very minor wobble so I expect in time that that tooth will go the same way.

So to sum up to bridge the two top fronts is not a good idea?

Driller

8,310 posts

285 months

Friday 6th August 2010
quotequote all
B17NNS said:
Brill, thanks for the replies chaps.

My other top front (sorry about terminology) has a very very minor wobble so I expect in time that that tooth will go the same way.

So to sum up to bridge the two top fronts is not a good idea?
Exactly. And the cantilevered bridge I mentioned would be right out so as Macgee said that would be the reason it wasn't offered.

LMC

918 posts

220 months

Saturday 7th August 2010
quotequote all
I've got a bridge with my 2 incisors acting as the anchors. I smashed my teeth off the pavement when I was 18 after downing a 1/2 bottle of straight Pernod in 5 minutes....

So much better that dentures, but just don't come near me with ice cream or cold drinks. A while ago I drank a Magners (with ice) and I swear I levitated when the ice hit the post yikes

B17NNS

Original Poster:

18,506 posts

254 months

Monday 9th August 2010
quotequote all
Many thanks. Seems like implants are the way to go.

Looks like I'm not getting a TVR for a while longer then.

Driller

8,310 posts

285 months

Monday 9th August 2010
quotequote all
B17NNS said:
Many thanks. Seems like implants are the way to go.

Looks like I'm not getting a TVR for a while longer then.
Don't forget that a partial denture is still an option-not a great one but an option all the same to tide you over.