Refused dental bridge on the NHS

MrHeisenberg

ERICS_MUM wrote: »

Perhaps the dentures are ill-fitting or too heavy ? Ask your dentist to check them.

Hi,

Yeah, my dentist has checked them already.

brook2jack

You would be best off discussing this with the consultant who diagnosed you with trigeminal neuralgia and who is supervising your treatment. They will be best placed as to prescribing most appropriate treatment and onward referrals.

However as the placement of implants can actually be a causative agent in trigeminal neuralgia I would be surprised that anyone would recommend it as a cure for trigeminal neuralgia. http://trigeminalnerve.org.uk/userfiles/sj_bdj_2012_497_final%20online%20version(1).pdf

MrHeisenberg

brook2jack wrote: »

You would be best off discussing this with the consultant who diagnosed you with trigeminal neuralgia and who is supervising your treatment. They will be best placed as to prescribing most appropriate treatment and onward referrals.

However as the placement of implants can actually be a causative agent in trigeminal neuralgia I would be surprised that anyone would recommend it as a cure for trigeminal neuralgia.

It was diagnosed by an international specialist, Prof. Joanna Zakrzewska. I have recently asked to have the matter looked at again but that would require another referral (I have been discharged). I am seeing another consultant though.

Yes, that is a concern. I am not looking for a cure though but a less painful existence. I'm also sure that you agree that there is little medical treatment that doesn't come with risks, particularly surgery.

brook2jack

As you will know , there are quite a few different treatments for trigeminal neuralgia ranging from medication to surgery.

As you will also be aware many people have dental treatment in an effort to lessen the pain of trigeminal neuralgia in vain.

The most sensible thing would be not to persue a course of treatment which could make things worse but to follow the advice of your present consultant or seek a second opinion via a referral from your dentist or gp.

MrHeisenberg

brook2jack wrote: »

As you will know, there are quite a few different treatments for trigeminal neuralgia ranging from medication to surgery.

As you will also be aware many people have dental treatment in an effort to lessen the pain of trigeminal neuralgia in vain.

The most sensible thing would be not to persue a course of treatment which could make things worse but to follow the advice of your present consultant or seek a second opinion via a referral from your dentist or GP.

I think I have exhausted all treatment options. Moreover, as discussed, the denture is already making things worse and I have to go around wearing a denture which also doesn't do wonders for one's self-esteem.

I have also seen around 4 consultants now.

Another problem is this is not an exact science and no consultant or dentist can give a 100% assurance that implants will make the problem worse or better.

MrHeisenberg

Seems a 5 unit bridge is feasible:

youtube.com/watch?v=n-M8Zw2mBbw

brook2jack

You can make a five unit bridge but it doesn't mean it is a good idea , that it will not fail quickly . It depends on where it is, who it is placed on , what the condition of the mouth etc is like etc

With what you are describing there are very few, if any, dentists who would think the bridge is a good idea. You will not find someone who will do it on the NHS and the likelihood of making things worse will dissuade any dentist.

MrHeisenberg

brook2jack wrote: »

You can make a five unit bridge but it doesn't mean it is a good idea , that it will not fail quickly . It depends on where it is, who it is placed on , what the condition of the mouth etc is like etc

With what you are describing there are very few, if any, dentists who would think the bridge is a good idea. You will not find someone who will do it on the NHS and the likelihood of making things worse will dissuade any dentist.

I see. It seems any approach seems a bit of a gamble at the moment. That said, I am of the (layman) opinion that implants are the best bet.

Dizzy_Ditzy

brook2jack wrote: »

Students do not provide implants and implants at dental hospitals are very strictly controlled. OP would not fit the criteria.

A bridge of the size op wants would not be provided by a dental hospital and many/most will no longer provide any bridge work at all e.g. http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/dental/patients/patients.aspx#na

MrHeisenberg wrote: »

Did you have implants done or a bridge?

Sorry, I didn't specify - I had a bridge done by a third year student, supervised by a reg and a consultant. This was about three or four years ago so things may well have changed in terms of what's doable or not

welshdent

Many things are technically possible. Doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.

Personally I don't remember the last time I did a 4 unit bridge. I certainly haven't done one incorporating a canine tooth around the natural arch of the mouth like that. They are extremely difficult to get right at the best of times. For someone who doesn't do them often it's even harder. Also 25% of healthy teeth, when prepared for crowns, end up with irreversible damage to the nerve. So you could end up losing even more teeth.

I'm afraid I'd be giving the same advice too.