About Rishi Verma, D.D.S. Expertise General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Esthetic Dentistry, Forensic Dentistry, Special Needs Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry
Experience Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard University General Practice Residency, Helen Hayes Hospital Fellowship in Special Care Dentistry, Montefiore Medical Center Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Society of Forensic Odontology, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Special Care Dentistry Association, Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities, American Association of Hospital Dentists, American Society for Geriatric Dentistry
Education/Credentials D.D.S. degree from Columbia University's School of Dental and Oral surgery. GPR Certificate from Brigham and Women's/Harvard University. Currently pursuing a Fellowship Certificate in Special Care Dentistry at Helen Hayes Hospital.
Question I have a new bridge in the front which is anchored to the "eye tooth" (sorry for not knowing the correct name) by way of a crown. The tooth (false) wiggles and is uncomfortable. In addition to this the supporting tooth is now sensitive. The previous bridge was anchored by the "eye tooth" with gold backing and no crown. I never had this problem with my old bridge. But for cosmetic reasons my dentist suggested a new bridge without the gold. After numerous visits and drilling down other teeth to lessen the pressure on the upper front teeth it has not alleviated the problem. It was suggested that I have a root canal and a post put in the anchor tooth but I cannot see that this will satisfy the movement of the tooth. The replacement tooth is only supported by one tooth and that is the "eye tooth".....can you suggest some other alternative....please! This is driving me nuts!
Answer Hello Lory,
It sounds like you have a cantilever bridge, which is a bridge with two teeth, but only one is the anchor and the other is false. These types of bridges are really limited to the situation which you have, namely attaching a lateral incisor to the canine tooth (eye tooth as you know it).
It sounds like your canine may be getting infected. If this is the case, then you would benefit from a root canal and post if necessary. However, this will not solve the problem of the movement of the bridge.
The other two alternatives are: 1). you connect the bridge to the central incisor making it into a traditional 3-unit bridge, or 2). just crown the canine and place an implant for the missing lateral incisor.
I would suggest you look into the implant option if possible, as they are great ways of restoring your empty spaces without the need of anchoring to other teeth.
Hope this helps. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
