Lost Both Frount Teeth on Top Have a Flipper Now What's the Next Steps?

Dear patient,

Ideally when teeth are extracted a bone graft should have been placed for future Implant placement which would be the standard of care these days, given that periodontally the dentition is healthy. 

As a second option, a fixed bridge or prosthesis is indicated, given the fact that abutment teeth (teeth holding the bridge) are healthy.

Last option and cheapest option is a removable partial denture which could be used for some time until a more desirable option is done.

Sincerely,

Mike Ghattas, DMD

Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

I know how devastating it must be to you to lose your two front teeth.  After all, they are the most prominent and visible of all your teeth.  Nice front teeth can make or break your smile.

For most people the "flipper" (removable partial denture) is a temporary fix just to get your going so you don't have to face the world showing you're missing your two front teeth.  However, believe it or not, a minority of patients are satisfied with their flipper and never get any other permanent replacement.  However, the problems with flippers, as you might have realized already, is that they move around a little, the plastic teeth can break off the flipper, but they can also be uncomfortable and have spaces where food can collect under the plastic.  I would recommend you see a more permanent alternative.

Speak with your dentist and he/she can go over other alternatives.  You might consider two dental implants.  Another choice is a fixed bridge. Both of those choices are considered more permanent solutions and are the preferred treatments when one is missing two front teeth.

If your dentist will make you a bridge, then you will probably have to wait at least six weeks after the teeth were extracted.  This is because the area will take that long for the bone and gums to heal.  If the dentist places a bridge before complete healing, you might find that the gum tissue continues to change and there may result in a space under your fixed bridge that looks less than ideal and also collects food.  Best to wear the flipper until the complete healing has occurred.

If you can do implants you will need to have a consult with an implantologist.  He will need to determine if you have enough bone and whether or not he has to graft tissue or do bone augmentation prior to the implant placement.  Then after the implants are done your dentist can place crowns over the top of the implants.  Implants are going to cost you more and may take months to complete the treatment, but probably the overall best way to go. 

Good luck,

Dr. Norm Huefner

Your choices are 2 Implants, a fixed bridge of 4 or 6 teeth or  a removable partial denture with a better fit than a flipper. Implants last the longest and cost the most, bridges are the easiest but do the most damage to your teeth initially. Partial don't fit well for more than 5-7 years and are slowly destructive to your teeth and gums. Implants are better done sooner to avoid bone loss. An alternative to your flipper is a SnapOnSmile.

Treatment options will depend on several factors including your overall health, the quality and quantity of supporting bone in the area, condition of your teeth next to the missing teeth, and your budget.  Treatment of choice these days would be implants, followed by fixed bridge, and lastly, a removable partial denture.  Find yourself an experienced cosmetic dentist to give you advice on the best option for you.

There are usually three option . In the order of my preference they are :


Implant

Bridges

Removable partial denture ( a sturdier version of your flipper)

Do nothing! 



However , You need to discuss your own oral condition to see which fits best FOR YOU .  you need to talk to your dentist about:

Being a candidate for implant since they need ample bone structure, Patient has to be relatively healthy systemically as well as having healthy jaw bone .( periodontal condition) 

Another factor is cost, and insurance coverage or lack of

Longevity

Comfort.

Aesthetics.

procedure time and effort


Find a good dentist who is willing to discuss all the above with you and then you can make the decision about your next step.



 

Implants, permanent bridge, or removable denture..........................................................