Expert: Benjamin Schwartz, DDS FAGD - 12/4/2009

Question
Hi Dr. Schwartz,
about 1 month ago I received my permanent bridge, covering the upper incisors to the eye tooth on the left side.
I am plagued by a persistent and actually worsening bad/metallic/bitter taste from that bridge. I believe the bridge does contain metal.
My dentist basically does not believe me. the taste makes me salivate more than normal, at times it is almost a lightly burning sensation and it is now, 4 weeks later, so bad that it is affecting my sleep.
I am pretty certain that I have metal allergies (can't wear any jewelry even as a necklace)but since the metal is on the inside of the bridge I thought it wouldn't come in contact with my saliva?
By coincidence I am currently being treated for H. pylori, this means two antibiotics plus a proton pump inhibitor, this should help to eliminate any bacterial or acid reflux possibility.
Any idea what might be going on, and more importantly, how do I convince my dentist to take this seriously? anything I can do myself? I am in a small rural community, and will not be easily able to see a different dentist.
Thanks for any feedback,
Susanne

Answer
Hi Susanne,

I will offer some thoughts, but this is a tough question.

First off all, even though the meal is on the inside, it is possible that it comes in contact with saliva and your gum tissues.

If you do have a true metal allergy, then you should notice your gums getting swollen and red. In some circumstances, they may even bleed. If so, then you will need a bridge made out of a different material. There are ceramic bridges, but they are not as strong as metal based bridges. So you will need to be more careful with those.

Furthermore, the antibiotics you are taking for your H Pylori can wipe out the good bacteria that are usually found in your mouth. This can worsen the situation.

My recommendation is to first find out if you do have a true metal allergy. If so, then the bridge needs to go.
If you don't have an allergy, then you should speak with your physician and find out how much longer you need to take the medications for. It's possible that once off the antibiotics, and your immune system is back in sync, the bad taste will dissipate.

I do think you should bring this up with your dentist, as it can be an annoying issue to address.

Best of luck!