Q: I broke my two teeth in half in an accident around 10 years back. I got them treated that time by putting ceramic/porcelene crowns after root canal. Five years back they were recrowned again. Now one of the crown/cap has started shaking. The doctors suggested that there is no way route for this tooth to be saved and it will have to be extracted. The doctor says either a bridge is to be put, which will also involve the neighbouring good tooth, which probably would be affected in the coming years. Is this true? Another treatment for this is through implants. I am 41 years old. Should I go for an implant? Which option is better? Is there any failure rate in implant? Are implants forever or they have to be taken care of in future?

A:The advantage of an implant is that the neighbouring teeth need not be involved. However, case selection is very critical so that the implant is not rejected. Ideally crowns and bridges last for many years and don't need to be replaced ever 4-5 years. A clinical assessment only will tell us which type of replacement is best for you.