The post in one of my dental-bridge teeth broke off at the gum line. I am sure that the tooth is weaker than ever. I got a three-crown bridge to replace my upper right front tooth in 2019. The post that broke is in the lateral incisor tooth. My left front tooth is supporting the bridge by itself, and I am worried that it will break under pressure if I delay seeing a dentist. My current dentist placed the bridge, but I do not trust her to correct this issue since it has only been three years, and I have problems with the bridge already. Can a dentist replace the post, or will I need a new bridge? – Thank you. Galina from CT
Galina,
Thank you for your question. You must find a highly skilled cosmetic dentist to remove the post from your tooth. After an exam and x-rays, the dentist will determine whether a bridge or another treatment is best for your oral health.
Removing a Broken Tooth Post
When a tooth post breaks at the gum line, it limits the techniques a dentist can use to remove it. A dentist must drill away some of the tooth structure around the post to retrieve it and twist it out. Also, drilling on a lateral incisor will weaken it, leave minimal structure for retaining a replacement post, and increase the risks of another break.
Dental Bridge with a Broken Tooth Post
Accessing a broken post in a tooth that is part of a dental bridge requires the dentist to cut the dental crown off the bridge. After compromising the stability of the bridge, replacing it is best. But keep in mind that the new tooth post will not last long either.
A dental implant can replace a missing front tooth
Replacing Damaged Dental-Bridge Teeth with Implants
Although some dentists may try to save your incisor, removing the post will weaken it. You can expect future problems with it. The healthiest, longest-lasting solution might be replacing the missing front tooth and the lateral incisor with a dental implant for each tooth position. After an examination, a skilled cosmetic and implant dentist will explain your options.
Dr. David Finely, a Monroe, Louisiana dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is an accredited Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and an accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
