Bryanna,

First, thanks for all the information that you've given on this site...I've learned so much from you and have become my own advocate! My problem is, firstly, I'm an American living in Spain so I'm dealing with a different dental system and trying to make the best decision. I lost tooth #9 over 10 years ago due to an accident as a child where all my baby teeth were knocked out. I've had a bridge since then. Fast forward, extreme pain 2 months ago and xrays reveal large infection above teeth #7 & 8. My dentist here did a root canal above #7 and said it would do it. It didn't. Immediately formed a fistula and went to seek different opinions - some said do an apico - which I've learned from you is useless - and now have to decide what to do. The Oral surgeon I have since come to trust, has now recommended not to do implants after the extractions of #7 -8 because of the massive bone loss. He said it would be difficult to rebuild all the lost bone and the esthetics would be bad. Another Oral Surgeon said to do implants but they may not look the best in time. I'm 42 years old and trying to think long term. The thought of getting implants is appealing but the Oral Surgeon I trust more says it's too difficult. He said if I went that route he'd want to use bone from my jaw as he doubts other bone sources would be enough. My intuition is to get the bridge but I'm concerned because it would be for three missing front teeth. Supposedly my canine teeth are healthy enough to hold the bridge. As well, if I go the bridge route he'd insert membrane into the gums as I'm concerned about the shrinkage. Am I making the right decision to go with a bridge instead of implants? And thanks once again for all the information you've given in the other posts as I'm now relatively calm about my situation and know I'll get through it. Information is truly power.