You are here:

Dentistry/fixed bridge

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/27/2005


Question
hi--
I'm going to be getting an 8 tooth fixed bridge (PFM). My former dentist had advised that all his bridges were fabricated of High Noble Gold. My current dentist tells me that the bridge I'm to receive will be  fabricated of the Noble metals platinum, palladium, and a third that I can't recall the name of, although it's not gold.  
Should I have any concerns regarding the fact that there's no gold in the mix, although the metals that WILL be used are all Noble metals and no base metals.  At this point, I AM worrying a little because I respect the opinion of my former dentist.
I've been with the current dentist for a long time and everything's been ok with him, but other than a few fillings, this will be the most major work he's done for me.
Anyway, should I have concerns that there is no gold?


Answer
Dear Pat:  None.  There are several metals that are actually more biocompatible today than is gold.  In addition, gold is a soft metal.  You want a hard metal supporting your bridge.  I mainly use metals that are alloyed with gold, but very little gold.  All metals made for dental use by the major manufacturers have been widely tested, approved by independent testing agencies (viz: The ADA), and have been in widespread use for at least 30 years.  If you trust the dentist you go to now, trust that he has used these metals for years, and there has been no adverse result.  dd

Dentistry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.