I’ve been on Fosamax for over six years. Recently, I lost a lateral incisor. I wanted to replace it with a dental implant but he said I couldn’t do that because of the Fosamax. Instead, he provided me with a dental flipper. I hate it. I went back and asked for a dental bridge, but he said that would require grinding down two other teeth and he doesn’t want to do that. What are my options here? What about an Encore or Maryland Bridge?

Perry

Dear Perry,

First, you should know you can have a dental implant even when you’ve been on Fosamax. There are some important things to consider before making the decision. While the chance of complications is small, if they do occur, they are serious. Don’t minimize them. One way around that is to temporarily suspend taking the Fosamax. If you decide to go that route, your doctor and oral surgeon will need to coordinate.

If you don’t want to take the risk, then a bridge is your next best option. An Encore Bridge would do well. However, if it isn’t one your dentist does a lot, I wouldn’t ask him to do this one. It is a complicated procedure.

If you decide you want to go the route of a bridge, then I highly suggest you go with whatever bridge your dentist does. The experience is more important than the procedure. Most bread and butter dentists generally do the traditional bridge. Yes, that may mean grinding the adjacent teeth, but if you choose a bridge that may be the one you end up with if your dentist does it. If you decide you want the Encore Bridge, you may want to have another dentist perform the procedure.

A Cosmetic Consideration

No matter what your choice, you are replacing a front tooth. A good cosmetic dentist can match the color perfectly. However, the color is permanent. It’s prudent to make sure you are happy with the color of your teeth. If not, the time to whiten them would be before your dental bridge or dental implant crown is made.

If you’re looking for the fastest teeth whitening, then you can do Zoom Whitening. This will whiten your teeth in just one appointment.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.