Tooth 30 extracted. Thinking about implant or bridge. Input?

Question

On Thursday I had tooth number 30 extracted. I was thinking about the ways to replace it. A few things I am concerned. #1 is I might suffer from bruxism but am not entirely sure. #2 I currently smoke, well I did up until last week. I realize that if I get an implant that those days are over. Is there any concern with me being a former smoker and having an implant done? Finally I drink beer, about 2-3 times a week and about 5-10 drinks a night. Would that be a concern for getting implants?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Having the implant is the better option, but may take a few extra steps along the way with you.  We usually deal with statistical probabilities, so a normal case may have a 98% success rate, your case may be a 95%.  Still very high likelihood that the case works great.

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

Smoking is not an absolute contraindication for dental implants especially on the lower arch.  I am more concerned with 5-10 drinks a night that is excessive and may cause problems with sugar/insulin control as well as general health.  High alcohol use can affect your liver and both smoking and alcohol use increase your risk of oral cancer as well as throat and lung cancer.

	If your overall health is good you would still be able to do an implant or a bridge but I suggest you  let your dentist know about current usage.

Pamela Marzban, DDS · Answer

Replacing a missing tooth is one of the most beneficial oral health decisions you can make. Not only does a gap in your smile detract from your appearance, leaving that gap in place dramatically increases your chances of losing an adjacent tooth.

	Suffering from bruxism will not limit your options for tooth replacement, unless yours is severe. If you do so, i will recommend seeing a neuromuscular dentist to evaluate this problem for you, since they are experts on this matter. Smoking can delay healing process and sometimes make patients not be a good candidate for it,but truly the best answer you are going to get is from a board certified surgeon. You can always go for a consultation to go over this questions you have about implants ( healing time, money, etc). 

	A fixed dental bridge is an artificial replacement tooth (pontic) anchored to dental crowns on the adjacent teeth to hold it in place. Fixed dental bridges can be successful, but because they do not replace the root of the missing tooth, they do not solve the problem of jawbone deterioration.

	Dental implants, on the other hand, are a permanent tooth replacement solution. Dental implants prevent jawbone deterioration because the pontic is attached to an artificial tooth root that is actually implanted in the bone. Dental implants also do not increase your vulnerability to tooth decay as bridges sometimes can.

	Again, go for a consultation with a surgeon to go over details about implants. I hope this was helpful

Soheyla Marzvaan, DDS (retired) · Answer

As a rule of thumb an implant is always the superior choice. You oral hygiene habits, your nutrition, your life style, your gene pool , the health of the supporting bone, and your bite pressures( grinding/clinching) all play their part in the outcome of any procedure and implants are not an exception. If  you are at a disadvantage in any of the factors mentioned, you just need to be that much more proactive in its maintenance and taking care of the implant. You still can get an implant with what you described, BUT you need more care and better hygiene habits . good luck

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

If your adjacent teeth are healthy, forget about the bridge,and make an implant,there is no problem about what your habits, as long as you keep the area clean and healthy,

its a very easyand quick proceedure,my recomendation is just to make it in a 2stage proceedure.

Tooth 30 extracted. Thinking about implant or bridge. Input?

Answers (5)

Answer: Implants VS bridge to replace a tooth

Answer: Implants VS bridge to replace a tooth

Answer: Bridge or implant

Answer: Bridge or implant

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Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

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

Tooth 30 extracted. Thinking about implant or bridge. Input?

Answers (5)

Answer: Implants VS bridge to replace a tooth

Answer: Implants VS bridge to replace a tooth

Answer: Bridge or implant

Answer: Bridge or implant

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.