Expert: Rafael Mosery,D.D.S. - 9/20/2006

Question
Thanks,



Thanks for your reply

Looking at cost - seems that implant about 2x price of bridge. I do have crown on molar behind lost tooth and I believe the tooth forward of it is also a crown. I understand the crowns will have to be replaced to add bridge.  

Guess my options would be

1-implant
2-3 tooth bridge
3- is a Maryland bridge worth considering

Thanks
Guess I used the wrong words - Did not mean to necessarily reattach the same crown that fell off - rather so way of repairing damage rather than extracting tooth. Guess that would be the post and crown you mentioned
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
Incident with lower tooth 5th from center on left.
Tooth had root canal done many years ago. About 2 months ago whlie chewing on bread the top of the tooth came off - Was strange. Tooth seemed to crack at gumline. I ended up with the crown including all the "tooth" material inside it in my hand and the rest of the tooth in place. I could see a small bit of the root canal post sticking up but otherwise tooth was in place flush with gum line.  I went to my Dentist and he extracted the tooth. Suggested bone graft which I declined.  

I had recently changed dentist because of insurance coverage change. However, I had to visit my old dentist to deal with the insurance situation. I used this office for many years so felt comfortable discussing my dental work with him. When I mentioned the extraction he asked if new DDS had  discussed or made any attempt to reattach the upper portion of the tooth. We looked at my x-rays and it showed good bone structure around the tooth. I was asked if prior to extraction x-ray was taken.

Answer to all these questions was no.
No x-ray at time of extraction
No discussion of reattachment

Would appreciate your comments

Thanks



Answer -
I can't comment wothout an exam or x ray but it sounds like you might have been able to get a post and crown.As far as reattachment that's most questionable, heroic at best.Now that the tooth is out consider an implant not a bridge.
Good Luck,
Dr.Rafael Mosery

Answer
If the crowns are in good condition it would be best to consider the implant and leave the front and back teeth adjacent to the space alone.The implant is n't 2x the cost but it's worth 10x the  cost to your dental and overall health.
Good Luck,
Dr.Rafael Mosery