Broken tooth left under bridge

mikeassured

I went to a new dentist yesterday who is taking new nhs patients. She noted on my two xrays a few problems on work done by previous dentists.

The one most worrying is that I had a tooth extracted 2 years ago that had been root filled, and during the extraction the tooth broke. The dentist said that as it had been root filled he did not think it necessary to attempt to extract what was left, so went ahead and had a bridge fitted. However, my new dentist said I could have potential problems with infection with this tooth and should that happen, the bridge would have to be removed and the remains extracted which could be time consuming. She did say to take extra care flossing under the bridge to prevent germs etc.

I was hoping one of the resident dentists would be able to tell me if I should think about having the remains extracted anyway and would it be covered on the NHS or would it be a private procedure? Also could the bridge be put back after?

Many thanks

Sue

Toothsmith

They might be able to do it surgically in the oral surgery dept of your local hospital. This wouldn't disturb the bridge at all. It would also be on the NHS.

Depends where the root is though, both in the mouth, and relative to the bridge.

If it were possible to remove it like this, I would get it done.

If not, just have it monitored by x-ray every now and again.

As you are with an NHS dentist, everything you need should be available to ou on the NHS. If you are told 'it's too much work' then the dentist is breaking the terms of the contract.

mikeassured

Thanks for your quick reply Toothsmith.

I am going back tomorrow to see if a fractured tooth can be saved or whether it means an extraction and another bridge.

I will enquire about this broken tooth again and see if she could arrange what you think might be possible.

Sue

Teerah

Hi Sue, I would add that it may depend what size the piece of root is and how deep it is buried as to whether or not you may have problems with it in the future. The larger the remaining piece and the closer to the surface it is the more likely that you will have problems.

mikeassured

I know when my new dentist was doing the check up she said she could feel the tooth catching on her instrument when probing under the bridge, so doesnt sound too good then.

Sue