Hi doctor,
I would like to get a second opinion on my dentist's plan to fix my missing teeth. I am missing my upper lateral incisors since birth and have had a temporary resign bonded bridge since I was 17. I am now ready to take the step to a more permanent solution. My two options are a bridge or implants. After my X-rays and MRI scan, it became apparent that I do not have enough bone for implants and I would need a bone graft. Since I would need at least 3 mm for each side, my dentist told me that there was a chance it might not take and I would need another surgery. The position of the roots of the adjacent teeth are not a problem, there is enough space to place the implants, just not enough bone.
Initially, he did say he would prefer to do the implants, since it is a better solution for long-term. When my dentist asked the opinion of another dentist in the office, he said that the bridge would be a better solution so I would not have to go through multiple surgeries and it would be done sooner. The bridge is indeed a quicker solution, but I am not very keen on having parts of my teeth removed for the bridge. It will also need replacing at some point, and if the underlying teeth have a problem, the whole bridge needs to be replaced. Both my sister and mother have a bridge (they are also missing their upper lateral incisors) and I am not impressed with either results (these were placed by different dentists).
I am fine with the process taking a little longer (and being more expensive) if it means it will give me a more natural smile, but I am also afraid that I will be going through surgery for something that might not even take. My dentist now does not want to express his opinion anymore, and just keeps giving me the pros and cons. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.