Sheldon, you bring up a good point about checking for recurrence. The bridge I will have is not supposed to be removable by me, but the ENT/oral surgeon/dentist who is taking care of me can remove it to check me out. I suspect with a little practice, I will be able to get it off and on too. No way would I want to permanently cover up that area! I found the first occurrence, and I am now watchful. If you have teeth to hook it to, I think a bridge is a much better, and far less expensive solution.