Cavity under bridge
Added: March 09, 2005 - 6:54 AM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Wichita, KS
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
Yes
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Filling
Bridge
Teeth: 17,18,19
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: 1/11/05
Last Cleaning: 1/11/05
Case Description
I have a cavity in my lower #19 molar under a bridge. My dentist told me I would either have to have the bridge removed, the cavity filled and a new bridge put in place. That the old bridge could not be used. The other option was to have the bridge removed, the molar pulled, and a cap put on the other tooth where the bridge was anchored. My questions are: why can't the old bridge be used? or why can't the bridge drilled into and the cavity fixed, then the hole in the bridge be filled? Both procedures my dentist advised are very expensive. Isnt there any way to fix this molar without $1000 to $2000? My teeth aren't in great shape and I am afraid dentures are in the near future.
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Reply: Cavity under bridge
added: March 15, 2005 - 9:25 PM
Cost Estimate: $
No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
It is possible to repair bridges or decayed teeth under bridges, provided the decay hasn't destroyed the tooth too badly. Either the decay can be cut away with the bridge in place (the dentist may need to cut some of the crown as well to gain access to the decay) or the bridge can be removed using the Reynold's Technique. The decay can then be removed, the defect carefully filled (so as to not interfere with the final fit of the bridge), then the bridge can be recemented.In any event, if your back molar were extracted (and I am not saying to do this) your bridge could be sectioned (cut) just behind the crowned tooth that is still good. Point being, it seems your dentist recommended a new crown when that might not be necessary either.I wonder why (we) dentists recommend new crowns and bridges? Maybe it' s because we make $2,000-$4,000 for a new bridge and only $350 to repair something. They'll say something can't be repaired, but even Dr. Gordon Christensen, and Dr. Bob Ibsen recommend repairing old C&B when appropriate. Bob Ibsen asked me to write and publish an article on repairs using Den-Mat's Core Paste material a few years ago. Bob is the same guy who makes Rembrandt Toothpaste. If your dentist doesn't give you 3-4 options on treatment for any of your problems, I'd find a new dentist. It's your body, you deserve to know every option available.
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