What can I do about the large gap between my new 6-tooth bridge and my gum? Air whistles through, I can't say "s" properly.

Question

Had both upper front teeth removed, long standing infection. Immediately had a temp 2-tooth denture added, then 4 side teeth cut back, then 6-tooth bridge cemented in. Now: small gap visible at front, large gap at back which I can feel with my tongue. Dentist said: bone above 2 front teeth has shrunk (since the teeth were removed, after impression was made), therefore there is this gap. Does this sound correct? I can live with the gap, but speech is dramatically affected. Help.

Elly Tehrani, DMD, MSD · Answer

Depends on how big the gap is.  Sometimes we could add bone/ soft tissue (ridge augmentation) to plump the site again.  you could see a periodontist for a consultation and explore surgical options.

Thomas Roberts, DDS (retired) · Answer

It is very possible that you have had some bone loss in the area of the extraction which can lead to gaps in your bridge contact with the tissue.  And yes it can lead to speech problems.  Unfortunately the only way to fix this is to redo the bridge.  And you want to make sure, if this is done, that the bone has finished the major part of the remodeling process or you could be facing the same thing a few years down the road.  Good luck!

What can I do about the large gap between my new 6-tooth bridge and my gum? Air whistles through, I can't say "s" properly.

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