Extracting a tooth that's part of a bridge.

Question

I have a bridge over teeth #18, 19, 20. I've been told that tooth #18 (rear anchor tooth) is decaying and has to be removed. Can #18 (rear of the mouth, left side) be extracted without removing the entire bridge? Can the bridge be cut while still in the mouth?Can the bridge be cut in a way to preserve the crown over #20 (front anchor tooth) or would I need a new crown here? Does #19 have to be cut away leaving me with a 2 tooth gap? Thanks

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hello there,I would recommend that you have your dentist evaluate the condition #20.  If tooth #20 is in good condition, it would be possible to section your bridge leaving #20 intact.  After #18 is extracted, I would recommend implants to replace #18 and #19.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDSt. Louis, MO area (O'Fallon, IL)Real Self 100

Doug Jopling, DDS · Answer

If the front tooth number 20 of this bridge is sound, it is possible to section your Bridge between number 20 and number 19 and remove tooth number 18. You cannot leave tooth number 19 attached to tooth number 20 or the laws of physics will cause tooth number 20 to fail quite rapidly. Think of a pump handle and this is the situation you would create if you left the tooth number 19 attached to #20 after extracting 18. With all of this being said, if you can indeed leave the crown cemented onto #20 then it would be most beneficial to consider placing implants in the tooth number 19 and tooth number 18 area to restore your dentition. If you have this bridge sectioned and do not fill the space with new Restorations, you will have super-eruption of the upper teeth and they will eventually drift and start chewing against your lower gum in the left posterior area. Douglas Jopling,  DDS Dallas,  Texas area

David M. Schertzer, DDS · Answer

The bridge can be sectioned while in the mouth and as long as #20 is still healthy the crown should be able to be preserved.  I would recommend removing the pontic #19 (fake tooth) as well otherwise this can put excess pressure and risk fracturing tooth #20.  I would look into implants as a possibility for restoring the site(s).  Good luck, I know having this done can be a tough pill to swallow.

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

It is possible to section a bridge in the mouth leaving only 20 intact. Leaving #19 attached would create a bad mechanical result and eventually cause you to loose #20 also. It is important to confirm that #20 is still in good condition. It's possible that it is also failing. Ask your dentist to evaluate the situation before removing #18.

Extracting a tooth that's part of a bridge.

Answers (4)