I am getting two dental implants. One on tooth number seven. The other on tooth number eleven. The cost is just a bit over $9,000 which is quite a pretty penny. I feel at that price I should expect some quality work. Here is my concern. I have had both teeth extracted and have been given two Maryland Bridges as temporary tooth replacements. Within three weeks, both bridges have fallen out. My dentist is planning on trying another cement but I don’t feel he is confident in this procedure, which gives me some concerns about the dental implants which I perceive to be a more advanced procedure. Would it be in my best interest to switch dentists? Can you do that “in the middle” of something?
Lance
Dear Lance,
Your instincts are good here. I have a couple of concerns about this dentist myself. First, yes, dental implants are a much more advanced procedure than a Maryland Bridge. If they do not have the skills for this, they likely will struggle with a dental implant.
Second, not understanding the bonding procedure for a Maryland Bridge hints that they do not understand appearance related dentistry. As the teeth you are having replaced are visible when you smile, that would be another concern.
There is a third issue with the Maryland Bridge as well. Most experienced implant dentists would not consider this an ideal temporary replacement. In order for it to stay on well, there needs to be structural changes made to the tooth. Most notably, a notch for the wings. I would not consider anything that requires a structural change to be a temporary replacement.
Most dentists would recommend something like a dental flipper instead. It costs significantly less money and does not require any bonding to your teeth.
As to whether you can switch dentists in the middle of a procedure, the answer is absolutely. In fact, a dentist is ethically obligated to give your new dentist all the notes, prognostic work, etc. done up to this point.
One other aesthetic thing to mention. The porcelain crowns which will top your dental implants can be made to match your tooth color exactly. However, whatever color they are made is permanent. You will want that color to be something you are happy to stay with. If you are considering whitening your teeth, the time to do that is before you have the crowns made.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist, Dr. Steven Collins.