Dentistry/Dentistry

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Expert: - 11/27/2008


Question
I am under an orthodontic treatment (due to some malposited teeth),  after a bridge I had on the upper teeth left side fell off. The bridge was constructed of 3 units: 2 teeth, a premolar and a molar, were reduced in size,root canal done, and the edentulous space between them (result of 1 tooth extraction)covered by bridge. My orthodontist is presently trying to reduce that edentulous space in order for me to make a 2-unit bridge instead of a 3-unit bridge, as he says.
    The thing is that I do not understand exactly how is this 2-unit bridge? how does it look like? Is it like a crown covering 2 neighbouring reduced teeth? Does it imply the total closing of the edentulous space? Or is it the same like a 3-unit bridge but with a smaller (in length) bridge bond from the premolar to the molar? If you coul also send me some photos with a three-unit bridge, a 2-unit bridge so that I can see them comparatively.

I hope you can understand exactly the way I explained the matter, as im just a student of arts and not a specialist in medcine. I mention I am 27 years old girl. Please reply as soon as possible to my e-mail also.
Thank you very much


Answer
Dear Ramyrali:  I do understand your circumstances as you explain them.  I cannot answer the question why, nor can I answer the question of how your new bridge will appear.  These are questions that you must ask your orthodontist, or the dentist who will be making your bridge.  My guess (and it is only a guess) is that the space between these two teeth collapsed because these two teeth slowly moved toward each other over time.  If your orthodontist does a good job of closing the space and uprighting the teeth, then you will likely need only two crowns (which will look and feel like normal teeth), rather than a three-tooth bridge.  Be sure you understand from the dentists who are treating you exactly what they are doing and what it will mean to you in the future.  Good luck, and Happy Thanksgiving.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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