Q.
I am fifty two years old and have been one to always take proper care of my teeth and gums. But over the years I have had to get treatment for a problem with gum recession. Now when I went to the dentist earlier this week the dentist identified what I had at first thought a cracked filling to be a fractured tooth. It is my top teeth and close to the back, but my smile is quite big so if I allow myself to smile (not sure I will now!) the state of it will show. The options the dentist discussed with me were not very helpful, it was more a job of me nodding along oblivious to what he was talking about. But in your opinion can you tell me if a bridge or crown or even implant would be the better option? Any useful details on cost and treatment time would also be greatly appreciated. Happy holidays!
A.
If the tooth is not restorable and has to be removed, then an Implant would be the best consideration. If you choose a bridge you would have to involve the teeth adjacent to the tooth that would be removed. It is always nice to avoid that if possible. Implant placement is more costly but, I believe to be your best option in most cases like this.