The post in my tooth broke at the gumline, and that tooth is part of a dental bridge. Can a dentist put a new post in the tooth? Will I need a new dental bridge, too? I got the bridge in 2021, so it is relatively new. Now that the post has broken, I’m concerned about the repair cost. What options might a dentist give me to replace the post? Thanks. Simeon from Cathedral City, CA
Simeon,
If a tooth post breaks at the gumline, replacing it will be challenging. Also, a skilled dentist will question whether replacing the broken post is the best approach.
Several concerns affect the treatment options that a skilled dentist may recommend:
A dentist must cut off a dental bridge if a post breaks in a tooth that anchors the bridge
A tooth post that breaks at the gumline. When a tooth post breaks at the gumline, a dentist must be able to grip the post to remove it. The dentist must remove enough tooth structure to grab and twist the post for removal. Drilling away tooth structure will further weaken your tooth, making it challenging to retain a new post and crown and serve as an anchor tooth for a dental bridge.
How does a broken tooth post affect a dental bridge? To access the tooth post, a dentist must cut off the crown on your tooth. However, the dentist may prefer to remove the dental bridge because you need a new one anyway. A dental implant would be a long-lasting solution for replacing the damaged tooth and the bridge.
How long will a new post last? When a tooth post breaks at the gumline, the cause may be a forceful bite that puts significant lateral stress on your front teeth. If you can get a new tooth post, it may not last long.
A skilled cosmetic dentist will determine your options. It may be possible to save your tooth and replace your dental bridge. The dentist will likely recommend two dental implants—one for the tooth with the broken post and the other to replace the missing tooth beneath your dental bridge. Schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.
Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post.