I got my permanent bridge today and have a question - Dental Health Message Board

taape · 07-02-2008, 10:10 PM

The dentist had a hard time taking off the temporary bridge as a unit. I finally asked if he could cut it because it was hurting my teeth, he did that.

Then he worked on adjusting my bite some since the front teeth are loose especially one of them due to my jaw problem, yet to be treated. Also adjusted the night guard.

Then the dentist wanted to put the permanent crown on with the temporary cement so it could be taken off if the TMJ specialist needs to adjust it for adjusting my bite. He couldn't even get the temporary off as a unit because of the pain it caused so there's no way he could get the permanent one off once it's on, even with temporary cement. So, I told the dentist no and to use permanent cement with the permanent crown and that I don't plan on having it taken off.

Did I make a mistake? I don't know how the tmj specialist would be go about making adjustments but I sure don't want to ruin this permanent and very expensive bridge by having it removed.

Thelma-Louise · 07-02-2008, 10:38 PM

A good tmj dentist shouldn't really be permanently adjusting your bite by filing your natural teeth or crown or bridge (called equilibration). Before doing so, he should first determine what the actual problem is with by doing an examination of your bite, checking jaw mobility (forward, back and side to side), listening to and/or feeling your tm joints as you open and close your mouth and taking at least a tomogram x-ray to check the condition and position of the tm joints and condyles. Depending on his findings he may then suggest undergoing splint therapy - the type of splint used depends on the problem he identifies. The splint usually helps the dentist determine if certain teeth need to be adjusted either through filing them down or building them up or if the jaw needs to be respositioned to improve joint spacing or disc recapture, etc. Unless something significant stands out or is obviously affecting your bite concerning this tooth or the bridge it is unlikely he will have to address either immediately. Splint therapy can take several months.

Why didn't the dentist just increase the amt of petroleum jelly to the mixture of temp cement - that tends to keep the cement from totally solidifying or hardening - sometimes it works too well and needs to be redone a few times until the dentist or you decide you are comfortable with the crown and how it fits.

But I wouldn't worry about it too much at this point - as long as they feel good that's what should matter for now.

taape · 07-02-2008, 11:07 PM

Thanks for getting back to me Thelma Louise. The bridge feels fine. I don't know the ins and outs of dentistry but hopefully this specialist will be able to do a proper assessment and come up with a treatment plan. Looking forward to finding the real problem. Meanwhile, I'm being careful not to push that loose tooth too much.