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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Is It Too Late to Switch Dentists for Bridgework?

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African American man thinking - portraying concern over whether to switch dentists for bridgeworkI got a new Maryland Bridge last October and have had it replaced three times. I need more dental work, but I am afraid that this family dentist will be unable to correct the bridge or complete the other work I need. Is it too late to switch dentists in the middle of my bridgework? – Thank you. Patrick from Freeport, Bahamas

Patrick,

We understand your concerns about your dentist’s inability to provide a stable dental bridge. Problems can occur when a dentist lacks training and experience in cosmetic dentistry. It is wise to switch dentists.

What Is a Maryland Bridge?

A Maryland bridge is a tooth replacement option with replacement teeth suspended between two wing-shaped anchors. A dentist bonds the anchors to the backs of each tooth on either side of the missing one(s).

What Causes a Maryland Bridge to Fail?

When a Maryland bridge fails, possible causes include:

  • Flawed design – Inadequate tooth impressions or faulty construction can cause the bridge to fail. Sometimes, the dental lab can re-etch the metal and correct the flaws.
  • Poor bonding techniques – If your dentist’s bonding techniques are flawed, the wing-shaped anchors will not adhere to the backs of your teeth.

When you tell your dentist you want to switch to another dentist, they have an ethical obligation to send your dental history and records to your new dentist. Your new dentist may decide to take X-rays to ensure your anchor teeth are stable. If your new dentist recommends treatment other than a dental bridge, such as dental implants, please consider the reasons and decide what is best for your long-term oral health.

How Can You Find a New Dentist?

Look for a dentist with post-graduate training and experience in cosmetic dentistry. The dentist can determine why your Maryland bridge failed repeatedly and whether the bridge is the ideal solution for your missing teeth or whether a dental implant is the best solution for your oral health.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

My dentist is violating my tooth-extraction rights

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I asked my dentist for teeth whitening, but he doesn’t want to do it because he recommends a root canal and crown on a second molar. My point is that teeth whitening is much cheaper. If I can’t afford a root canal and crown, why should I do it? I have dental insurance, but it will only cover half of the cost. And then if the root canal doesn’t work, my dentist will have to extract the tooth anyway? Why not just get rid of the tooth, eliminate the future problems, and whiten my teeth? I’m thinking about switching dentists. – London

London,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns about your budget and want to improve your smile without creating debt.

Extracting a second molar tooth

Extracting a second molar tooth causes the least complications. A second molar does not have a tooth behind it that will drift after the extraction.

Some facts to consider:

  • Lower second molar – The upper molar opposite to the tooth you want your dentist to extract will have no tooth to meet it. It will begin to drift, bite into your gum, and eventually require extraction.
  • Chewing efficiency – If you have your premolars and front teeth, you can chew adequately without your upper and lower second molars.
  • First molar – If you later lose a first molar, it will disrupt your bit on that side of your mouth and reduce your chewing efficiency.

It’s Still Best to Save Your Teeth

But we understand your budget is limited. If your dentist is skilled with root canal treatment and crowns, the risk of it failing is minimal.

We recommend that you have another discussion with your dentist about the pros and cons of keeping the tooth or removing it. Ask about the urgency of root canal treatment and determine if you have a little time to save money. Some dentists offer no-interest financing that allows you to pay for care over time.

Photo of teeth whitening trays in a case, for information on DIY teeth whitening from Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Resolve dental issues before whitening your teeth

If you and your dentist cannot reach an agreement, you can get a second opinion on your second molar and teeth whitening options. Some dentists offer free or discounted whitening to patients who keep regular dental cleaning and exam appointments.

 

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.