Can a permanent dental bridge be removed?

Conrad3000

Hi all. As the thread title mentions, is it possible to remove a permanent, cemented dental bridge for whatever reason, that's been on the teeth for a few years,

Would it be a painless, easy procedure?

And the same for a permanent, cemented crown that's been on a tooth for years.

Thanks.

brook2jack2

Yes a permanent bridge and crown can be removed. 

You would need x rays and a consultation for the dentist to discuss the risks and possible benefits of removing the bridge or crown , adjusting the tooth and making new . 

Any crown and bridge appointment will not be quick as it has to be very very accurate ,the old crown/bridge removed, the tooth adjusted ,  new impressions would need to be taken, temporary crown/bridge made. 

In addition for the foreseeable future dental work of this sort will not be carried out due to the risks for the corvid crisis. Dental emergency treatment only will be happening for quite some while. 

Conrad3000

Thank you, Brook. Do you think *any* dental work carried out will be 'permissible' maybe this September/October time?

And re. emergency dental work only; are you saying dentists are not doing check-ups?

brook2jack2

Dentists can only do non aerosol generating procedures ie nothing involving a drill , in extremis in Wales and Northern Ireland ie taking teeth out as a last resort , advice, antibiotics and painkillers nothing else. 

In England and Scotland, in extremis, if the dental problem has not responded to antibiotics, advice and painkillers and is very very serious you may be referred to a special centre where very limited treatment may be carried out to get rid of pain. Dentists here cannot see anyone , under any circumstances in their practice unless they are an urgent care centre.

Dentistry is very high risk for patients , their contacts, dentists , their contacts and not only do high levels of PPE have to be worn but at least an hour needs to be left in between patients in order to get rid of the virus . 

There are no check ups, no routine treatment and only treatment available when all else has failed and very limited. 

This is likely to continue for quite some time. I cannot say if restrictions will be lifted by September but it is true to say there will be a massive backlog of urgent treatment which is likely to take a lot longer with more enhanced cross infection precautions. I would not count on having treatment like crowns and bridges for a good while yet.

Conrad3000

Thanks once again, Brook 😊