Originally Posted by Bryanna

Hi David,

You described it perfectly, thank you!

I am going to say that you most likely did or do have periodontal problems because this is how they use to do bridges when the teeth were unstable....meaning unhealthy.

In general the cement used to adhere bridgework and crowns has a life span of about 5-10 yrs and that is only if the site was perfectly clean and dry when the restorations were cemented on. The reason for that large difference in the span is due to the type of cement that was used and/or anatomical factors which can cause a bridge or crown to fail. Most people go way beyond the life of the cement before they have the work redone. Sometimes the bridge or crowns become loose, other times they just move slightly allowing bacteria to get in underneath them and cause the teeth to decay.

Extracting a tooth from under the bridge is beyond tricky as you can imagine. But yes, it can be done. Is it ideal, no. It is also not usually recommended unless the patient is reluctant to have a new bridge made. I am deeply concerned that this dentist even mentioned keeping this tooth knowing full well that although it is draining it is a chronic long term infection..... draining where?? Into your sinuses, your brain ...into your digestive system... into your blood stream?? He should have informed you of all of this and not just made it sound like it's not big deal to just leave it.

Keep in mind that one of two or perhaps both of these things has happened... the cement gave out a long time ago and there is bacteria seeping in underneath the bridge which means all of the teeth are being compromised .... the tooth in question has been a brewing problem for how many years which means the bone surrounding this tooth is unhealthy.

I think your problem is not just related to this one tooth and you will endure this procedure only to find that you have other problems associated with this bridge that are currently brewing but either undiagnosed or not mentioned to you in any detail.

I think you are most fixed on how the procedure can be done rather than how big of a problem you may have and how it can affect your overall health. Not your fault for thinking this way.... after all your dentist has only informed you part way and you are here seeking more information

Hope this information helps clarify some issues for you... either discuss these things with your dentist or consider seeking a different opinion. Your case is not unusual... it is just a question of you becoming informed of the extent of the problem and seeking the best care in dealing with it.

Bryanna







I

Originally Posted by David99

Hi Bryanna - I'm really grateful for your very thoughtful and informative advice on this - from what you have said, it would seem that the sensible way forward would be to replace the bridge now rather than undergo a v tricky procedure which may not resolve anything and indeed could lead to worse issues down the road. I think that perhaps my dentist (who is attached to a local dental teaching hospital just outside London) sees performing an extraction from under a bridge as a 'challenge' which no doubt he could then discuss with his students (don't worry about the patient!) anyway, I shall now discuss a replacement bridge with him and, if necessary, get a second opinion (or change dentists!) Again, many thanks for your kind advice on this - I'm most grateful - (oh, and have a great weekend, wherever you are!)(I'll keep you posted on developments).

Originally Posted by David99

Hi Bryanna -
a somewhat belated update to the issues I had with my bridge - I thought you'd like further confirmation of how valuable your advice is.
After your advice on the forum, I consulted another dentist who referred me to one of the top endodontists in the UK based in Harley St, London - he confirmed your opinion entirely! ie, that the whole bridge should be removed etc, and the causes of the infection etc dealt with before moving on to eg any new crown/implants etc and (as you also advised) not to proceed with the procedure recommended by my (previous)dentist.
So many thanks again, and although it is a rather crude measure of the worth of your advice, you might like to know that the Harley St endodontist charges around $500/hour just for a consultation!