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Is my 3 unit bridge quote too high?

  • Thread starter Thread starter s-one
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s-one

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Feb 20, 2008
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Hi all.. great forum!

I was told my porcelain on metal bridge of 25 years needs to be replaced because my gums had receded back a little show some of the middle. Unfortunately these are my fronts. To add, when they did a root canal for the bridge, one of them they didn't go deep far enough creating a pocket which now has abscess - it doesn't hurt at all - but they said later it would cause the tooth that the bridge is cemented to fall out thus causing me to go a 4 unit bridge somewhere down the line.

I guess the first part of my question is do I really need the bridge replacement if I'm having no pain even though they are mentioning the small pocket of abscess? (the metal showing is minimal, so I could live with really).

Costs. I'm quoted $743 per unit (x3) for a non-metal all zirconia bridge and or if I wanted to go with porcelain on gold it would be $488 per unit (x3). They had two other porcelain on metal options that doesn't have a long life regarding gum and metal irritation.. so I won't quote these.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
s-one
 
Do you have insurance?

I have DHMO and my Dentist charge me $500 per unit. My total cost was $2000(4 unit bridge). Btw, mines is Porcelain with metal. You were quoted $488 for the Porcelain with Gold, I think that's a good deal.
 
Hi ILT,

Thank you for your response. Yes I do have insurance and those are the quotes with insurance. Apparently the zirconia is not "all" zirconia but porcelain on zirconia which is suppose to be a lot better than the porcelain on gold. How are you doing with the metal on porcelain? My dentist mention the metal on porcelain would only last me 5 years due to metal irritation where gold might not be as irritant and better yet... zirconia.
 
I think that the quotes you have had for the zirconia option are very very good!
Although they are more expensive- they are lovely restorations- it is what I would have- especially if the crown/bridge work is near the front of your mouth and visible in your smile.
Mike
 
DrMike, thank you very much for your response. You are right, since this is my front teeth, I should just put in the best. However, someone else mentioned to me to consider implants instead of a bridge. Apparently more real looking since it is 3 separate teeth, if one breaks, it fix that one only instead of the whole bridge. The funny thing, my dentist didn't mention that option. So I'll have to ask about that one. I'm hoping the price won't be like buying a new car. In any case, thank you again for your input.

Regards,
s-one
 
Hi ILT,

Thank you for your response. Yes I do have insurance and those are the quotes with insurance. Apparently the zirconia is not "all" zirconia but porcelain on zirconia which is suppose to be a lot better than the porcelain on gold. How are you doing with the metal on porcelain? My dentist mention the metal on porcelain would only last me 5 years due to metal irritation where gold might not be as irritant and better yet... zirconia.

Hello,
It Looks great! I can see the metal if I open my mouth real wide, but other than that, I am really pleased. Mines is done on the chewing surface(back teeth).

I am not sure how long mines will last. I guess that really depends on how well I take care of it. It's only been a week, but I can honestly say.....I am brushing and flossing after every meal, avoiding sticky foods and any kind of food that is hard. I am hoping my bridge will last me 10-20 years. 8-)
 
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