I have a crown on one tooth and the tooth next to it needs to be extracted. I want to get a dental implant but need a temporary replacement while the procedure is being done. My dentist mentioned a Maryland Bridge. Do you know if that will bond to a porcelain crown?
Lou
Dear Lou,
Technically, you can place a Maryland Bridge on a porcelain crown, but it is complicated. I will be honest and tell you I don’t understand why that is the “temporary” replacement your dentist recommended. I don’t consider anything temporary which requires you to alter tooth structure.
In order for the Maryland Bridge to stay properly, little grooves need to made into the adjacent teeth in order to retain the wings of the bridge. Most dentists would suggest you just get a dental flipper. This is much less expensive and doesn’t affect any of your tooth structure. This really would be a temporary replacement.
Your choice of a dental implant is a good one. It is the best replacement option. However, I’m concerned maybe your dentist isn’t the one to do it. This isn’t a simple procedure and it requires significant post-doctoral training. Given what your dentist is suggesting, I’m worried he or she is in over their head. You don’t want to end up a dental implant horror story. This is the leading cause of malpractice suits for dentists right now because too many of them try it without getting the appropriate training.
Take a look at Dr. Becker’s training to get an idea of what kind of dentist you need for something like this. You don’t want someone who is only going by their dental school training.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.