Any suggestions for the hole in my bridge?

Question

i had a hole drilled in my bridge to do a root canal in number 19 which apparently was neved finished. i had a check up for another cap issue recently and the dentist i saw now wants to replace this entire bridge which i can not afford in any way. please advise as to any options i have to get this root canal finished and keep my bridge. it is loose now and i must have other work doen so money is a huge issue. thank you

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

If it was JUST the hole, then you could probably buy some time (holes is crowns or bridges ALWAYS leads to replacement, it is just a matter of time).  Since it is loose, then there are some serious problems.  Is the bond to the tooth solid, but the anchor TOOTH/TEETH are loose?  This may mean a periodontal problem and the teeth may be coming out.  Are the teeth solid but the bond to the bridge is poor?  Then you likely have serious decay underneath and may lose the tooth/teeth.The investment may be large, but taking care of it NOW will be cheaper than doing it later.  Most offices work with lenders to allow payments to fit within budgets.

Yasser A. Elseweifi, DDS · Answer

It all depends on the condition of the tooth and bridge. You should first get the root canal finished. Your dentist can evaluate the amount of destruction in the tooth by clinical exam and x-ray. If there is minimal destruction, no open margins, and no rocking of the bridge, then the hole can be sealed by bonding composite.

Any suggestions for the hole in my bridge?

Answers (2)