Should the dentist be responsible for making my bridge fit right?

Question

I received a permanent bridge that has a large gab between the tooth and gum, it yraps a lot of food and is annoying, the dentist said it was because he pulled the tooth and there was swelling when he made the mold, he acted as though there wasnt anything he would do yo fix it, i believe it was his mastake that it doesnt fit

Desiree Yazdan, DDS · Answer

After an extraction, the area should be temporized for 6-8 weeks, and sometimes longer in esthetic areas, for proper healing time.  During this healing process the tissue and bone in that area change continuously.  Impressions for a permanent restoration should not be taken until after proper healing has completed.  You should go back to your dentist and see if he/she will redo the bridge, or come up with a solution that you are happy with.

David M. Schertzer, DDS · Answer

Unfortunately this is a common issue when a tooth is extracted and the bridge is prepped in the same appointment or soon after.  The impression taken shows the lab that the gum tissue is at a certain level and does not account for the bone and gum healing where there will inevitably be some shrinkage and recession of the gum tissue.  To combat this I will do a preliminary prep the same day as the tooth extraction and make a temporary bridge for the patient to where for 6-8 weeks.  This allows time for the gum and bone tissue to stabalize.  After 6-8 weeks I finalize the preps to account for any gum recession and take the impression.  This helps prevent too much gap and bridge margin exposure.

Christian Yaste, DDS · Answer

ttamara allen,The problem you are describing is very often the case when a dentist takes the impression of your tissue the day of surgery and does not wait until the gums heal and the bone remodels.  Sometimes dentists get in a rush because doing it the "right" way requires an extra visit and chair time.  The standard of care for this situation is to remove the tooth and temporize the area for 6-8 weeks or longer before returning to take an impression of the teeth for the bridge and remarginate the preps.  Then a temporary is placed back in the area and when the porcelain bridge comes in it should fit more appropriately up against your gum tissue.  Unfortunately at this point your current bridge would most likely need to be removed and destroyed in the process and a new bridge made.  Sometimes though, composite material can be added around the tissue to the bridge and that might be able to make the situation more tolerable for a time.In short, it was probably an oversight by your dentist.  My suggestion would be to return and ask the dentist to work with you to find a solution that is fair to you and him.Sorry for your frustration.Best Regards,

Should the dentist be responsible for making my bridge fit right?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Bridge

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Should the dentist be responsible for making my bridge fit right?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Bridge

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.