Replacing A Dental Bridge

[lxsmith]

Hi, I am missing my number 8 tooth and have had a bridge made that connects to my number 9. The problem is it always falls out within a about a week of getting it replaced. My dentist has said that if it falls out again (which it has) I will have to have a crown which will involve damaging my number 9 tooth, or I could have an implant which unfortunately is not an option on the NHS.

I am saving up for an implant, which being unemployed will take some time. So, in the mean time, I was thinking of buying some Glass Ionomer Cement and fixing it every time it comes out.

Could someone please explain to me any dangers that may be involved in doing this. The Cement releases fluoride and I will thoroughly clean my number 9 before cementing my bridge back in. The rest of my teeth are in perfect good health and I look after them as I should.

So are there any dangers I should be aware of before I perform this procedure? I have read a book called "Where There is No Dentist" and have had this procedure performed on me many times by my dentist and it all seems very straight forward.

Also, what should I use to remove the excess cement when I have to replace the bridge when it falls out again? I have some dental tools and could just scrape it off, but I believe there is a chemical that can be applied to loosen the Glass Ionomer Cement.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Zzzdentist]

Glass ionomer cement isn't a favorite of mine, and I have no experience with it so I really can't comment. I believe it tend to dissolve out if the seal isn't all that great unless it's a resin modified glass ionomer cement? I don't use either one so this is just going from what I remember. You should be able to scrape out any old cement with some dental picks or whatever you have to clean it out before recementing. It might help to dry your tooth somewhat as well.

There's probably not much danger in trying this yourself, but it sounds like the crown will most likely come out again fairly soon.