Tooth exposed under dental bridge permanently cemented 2 weeks ago. Do I have dentist send back to lab? (photos)

Question

Bridge placed and permanently cemented 2 weeks ago. At time dentist did not point out #13 tooth exposed under bridge. No pain, but concerned about life of bridge. Dentist only said will look better when guns heal, but will guns cover tooth or is bridge too small? Tomorrow sending 4 of 5 crowns back bc he wrongly perm cemented #7,saying fine but fluid gets in, pain, can't eat on it.Temp cement on 6,8,9 against their advice but color, size, shape wrong & different from wax up. Send all8 back?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Sending the bridge back to the lab won't change the location of the margin. If you are concerned about the way it looks, the bridge would need to be removed, the tooth needs to be prepared more and impressions for a new bridge need to be taken. I would recommend returning to your dentist to speak with him/her about your concerns.  I hope this helps.  Follow me for more questions and answers.

Sue Wendling, DMD (retired) · Answer

The fact that the bridge margin leaves a little tooth exposed is not a functional problem and in fact makes it easier to clean. Aesthetically, it depends on whether or not it shows when you smile. However, the only way to change the margin is to cut the bridge off and start all over. As far as the smile makeover in general, don't move forward with permanent cementation until you are completely satisfied.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

The exposure appears to be the root of the tooth, meaning the gums have receded or simply the bridge edge ends above the gums.  Sending the bridge back won't change the location of the margin.  If this must be changed, the tooth needs to be prepared more and new impressions taken.

Tooth exposed under dental bridge permanently cemented 2 weeks ago. Do I have dentist send back to lab? (photos)

Answers (3)