About Miguel Rodriguez, DDS, MBA Expertise Questions regarding general dentistry can be answered in laymans's terms for anyone who wishes to understand what dental procedures are all about. Also, for all you CSI fans out there, my Doctor's thesis was on forensic dentistry, so do not hesitate to ask anything regarding this topic in particular.
Consultas también en español.
If you want quick instant explanations of most dental procedures and conditions and can't wait for my reply, I recommend checking out this website: http://animatedtooth.com/
Experience A few years of private practice and experience in management of dental clinics.
Education/Credentials Some assistance to Doctors in the faculty while I was still studying.
Question Dear Dr. Miguel,
Thanks for being here and your help. I am 26 years old with good teeth and oral hygiene and strong bones. I have taken out teeth #14 & #19 and plan to get a fixed bridge (no implants involved- I will fix them on adjacent teeth). My wisdom teeth are present and in perfect alignment.
My question is: What is the average (mere average) of the chewing ability restored, in comparison to normal dentition (which will be 100%)? I know its around 15% for complete dentures, and around 80% for implants, yet I don't know what is it in the case of replacing the first molars with fixed bridge?
Also, what is the time it takes usually to reach that point of maximum restoration (3 month, 1 year...)?
Please provide just an estimate of your experience or research, so I can start thinking about it and see my dentist with an informed guidance (just a guiding figure).
Thanks a lot,
Dr. Adel.
Answer As a %, I've never come across an exact figure for the restored chewing ability of prosthetics. Your case will be a complex one taking into consideration that all of the stresses that the missing first molar of two opposing half-arches will be partially held by the second bicuspids, which are roughly about half as strong as a molar, so some radicular resorption is to be expected.
If you are right-handed, I think the stresses will probably be slightly less on your left side, so that will be positive with regards to the durability.
With regards to the time the prosthetics can/will/could last, 4 years is usually considered to be the "payback" time for a fixed bridge, though one constantly sees bridges far outlasting that duration.
