Over thirty year old Maryland bridge will not hold any longer, do I need implants?

Question

Both teeth that hold the bridge for missing front tooth have decayed over the years now the bridge won't hold anymore. do I need three implants now or can the decayed teeth be crowned? also it seem I may need to deal with the fourth tooth so the fronts all appear even?

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

Implants and Bridges can give a lifetime of service but both depend on home care for success.  Assuming th decay has not destroyed the teeth beyond repair bridgewrok is an easy approach to replace a missing tooth.Implants are more expensive and are ideal for many circumstances.  If there are two prefect teeth adjacent to missing tooth an implant is an excellent approach.I suggest finding a dentist you trust and ask about choices.  There are always choices in treatment.

Desiree Yazdan, DDS · Answer

It's hard to tell you what to do with the decayed teeth holding the bridge in place without having ever examined them.  IT's best to try to save your natural teeth if possible. So if the decay can be removed and your natural teeth can have crowns on them, you may be able to have an implant placed in the position of the missing tooth! You may also be able to have another Maryland bridge placed.  If you need to have the other 2 teeth removed, then you can possibly place 2 implants and have a bridge made in the place! Hope this was helpful

Joseph B. Silberman, DMD, FAGD · Answer

Without knowing the extent of the decay on the teeth holding in the Maryland Bridge, it's hard to say what treatment would be best for you. In my opinion, you should always try to save natural teeth if possible. If the decayed teeth can be saved, you can either cap the 2 teeth which were holding in the bridge and place 1 implant, or you can make a conventional 3 tooth bridge to replace the Maryland bridge. Whether or not you'll need to do something to the 4th tooth in the front will depend on your dentist and how that tooth appears. I hope this helps!

Dushyanth Paul, MDS · Answer

Even if you end up  missing three teeth, only 2 dental implants with a dental bridge will be sufficient to replace them. It is highly recommended to not delay teeth replacement with dental implants as the underlying jaw bone does not stay forever and recedes with age.
 If you are concerned about the aesthetic aspect of the fourth tooth as compared to the dental bridge, you can think of opting for either dental veneers or dental crowns to match the shade and color with the dental bridge.

Andy Shieh, DMD · Answer

See a cosmetic dentist to weigh out your options. A longer bridge can also do the trick instead of implants. Decayed teeth can be restored with crowns with or without root canal therapies if you choose the implant route for that one missing front tooth.

Over thirty year old Maryland bridge will not hold any longer, do I need implants?

Answers (6)

Answer: Two Dental Implants will Suffice

Answer: Two Dental Implants will Suffice

Answer: Many options

Answer: Many options

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Over thirty year old Maryland bridge will not hold any longer, do I need implants?

Answers (6)

Answer: Two Dental Implants will Suffice

Answer: Two Dental Implants will Suffice

Answer: Many options

Answer: Many options

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.