[Health Column] Missed Molar Bridge, Is It Due to Internal Cavities? A Real Case of Function Restored with Insurance-Worth Implants! 🦷✨

 

hello, Director Moon Hong-yeol of Seoul Barun Implant Dental Clinic no see.

 

Have you ever been flustered because a dental bridge you had fitted a long time ago suddenly rattled or fell right out?

 

Even though it looks fine on the outside, it has been slowly progressing inside the prosthesis internal cavity That is why there are quite a few cases where the support is lacking. 😱

 

If your teeth are missing, it makes chewing difficult and affects the surrounding teeth as well!

 

This time, after suffering from existing bridge detachment and internal cavities, a customized occlusion plan and Health insurance implants Let's take a look at the actual treatment process where the function of the lower molars was effectively restored. 🏥

 

1️⃣ My old bridge keeps falling out. What on earth is going on? 🤷‍♀️

🦷 Even though the outside of the prosthesis looks fine, it has lost its retention because cavities have progressed deep inside.

 

Even if old dental prosthetics appear fine on the outside, over time, tiny food particles or bacteria can enter the crevices, causing internal cavities.

 

If the cavity deepens inside, the tooth cannot firmly hold the prosthesis, causing a dull ache when chewing or the prosthesis to suddenly pop out.

 

👉 Real-life Case Story

At the time of the visit, the patient was also experiencing significant discomfort while chewing due to the detachment of the existing bridge. Upon reviewing the initial panoramic and local radiographs, damage to the supporting teeth holding up the bridge and A condition where internal decay has progressed, making it difficult to expect long-term stability with simple reattachment. It was.

 

💡 Simple advice

If a prosthesis falls out, forcing it back in or leaving it unattended can worsen internal corrosion! You must visit a dentist to thoroughly check the condition of your remaining teeth and bone.

 

2️⃣ How were the condition of the teeth and bite (occlusion) diagnosed, and how was treatment started? 🔍

🦷 We carefully planned the treatment to ensure the upper and lower teeth fit together properly, taking into account the range of the upper jaw dentition.

 

During treatment, it is not simply about filling the missing space, How the upper and lower teeth interlock (occlusion relationship) You need to calculate it comprehensively.

 

In the patient's case, only the #26 molar remained in the upper dentition.

 

 

👉 Treatment Planning and Implantation Process

Therefore, I determined that restoring function to the lower teeth only up to the position of tooth #36 is the most efficient and practical recovery method. Using oral photographs, I clearly explained which teeth could be saved through root canal and prosthetic treatment, and which areas required extraction followed by implant restoration.

 

Applicable to patients aged 65 or older thereafter #36 We will reduce the burden of medical expenses by performing insurance-covered implant placement. We've fully equipped it with all the necessary authoring features! 👏

 

3️⃣ How did the process and results proceed after the insured implant placement? 🛠️

🦷 The entire process, from implant placement to the completion of the prosthesis, was neatly finished through a healing process.

 

After implanting the implant fixture (root), we closely examined the spacing with adjacent teeth and the condition of the surrounding gum bone through panoramic and local radiographs.

 

Even if it is an insured implant The implant placement and prosthetic design are meticulous, without even the slightest error. You need to adjust it so you can use it with peace of mind for a long time.

 

After firmly bonding with the gum bone, the final prosthesis was placed to complete the treatment!

 

If you look at the panoramic X-ray and oral radiographs after treatment, you can see that the empty space for the lower left molar has been restored very neatly, right?

 

We have perfectly adjusted the bite to prevent excessive collision with the opposing teeth or misalignment. ✨

 

4️⃣ How should I care for my implants and prosthetics after treatment to ensure they last a long time? 🪥

Although cavities do not form, gum inflammation can occur, so the use of oral hygiene products and regular checkups are essential.

 

Since implants are artificial teeth, cavities do not form on them.

 

However, if plaque or food debris remains around the prosthesis Gum inflammation or peri-implantitis This may happen!

 

⚠️ Proper Care Guide

🔸 Essential use of assistive devices
Not only brushing Interdental brushes, dental floss, water flosser Please use it to thoroughly clean the boundary between the prosthesis and the gums.

 

🔸 Maintaining balance of chewing force
You must be careful not to concentrate excessive force on only one side.

 

🔸 Regular checkups
Be sure to get regular dental checkups to check for loose screws on your prosthetics, wear and tear, and gum health.

 

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. If an old bridge falls off, can't it just be reattached and used?

 

A. If the prosthesis has come loose simply due to adhesive wear, reattachment may be possible. However, if the cause is internal decay or damage to the supporting tooth, it may fall out again shortly or the internal decay may worsen even if reattached. Therefore, it is recommended to establish a treatment plan after receiving an accurate diagnosis of the cause.

 

Q2. Can anyone aged 65 or older receive insured dental implants?

 

A. Health insurance subscribers aged 65 or older can receive benefits at a 30% co-payment rate for up to two policies per lifetime. (However, this applies only to a state of partial edentulism where some teeth remain, rather than a state of complete edentulism where no teeth are present.)

 

Q3. Why is the scope of treatment for the lower jaw determined based on the number of upper jaw teeth when treating molars?

 

A. The upper and lower teeth interlock to perform the function of chewing. If only the lower teeth are excessively fabricated and inserted into a space where the upper teeth are missing, there is no opposing tooth to interlock with, which can lead to improper function or occlusal imbalance. Therefore, it is most practical to calculate the range of upper and lower occlusion and treat accordingly.

 

💡 Conclusion and Summary

This case involved not merely filling the empty space, but proceeding in stages while meticulously considering the condition of the remaining teeth, the alveolar bone, and the occlusal relationship between the upper and lower teeth. ☺️

 

✔️ Key Summary & Management Points

🔹 The cause of bridge detachment is inside the prosthesis internal cavity It is highly likely.

🔹 Treat teeth where they can be saved, and treat those where they cannot. Insurance implants It can be practically recovered.

🔹 After treatment Interdental brushes and water flosser Prevent gum inflammation through proper use and regular checkups!

 

Even for implant treatment in the same area, the treatment method and duration may vary depending on the patient's remaining bone volume, degree of inflammation, overall health, and occlusal condition.

 

If you are experiencing discomfort with your molar prosthetics, we recommend that you do not delay and receive a precise diagnosis and consultation with a specialist first! 🩺✨

 

⚠️ Precautions and Information

This post is intended for informational purposes based on actual clinical cases. Treatment outcomes and recovery periods may vary depending on an individual's oral environment and health condition. Additionally, side effects such as pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, and sensory disturbances may occur after implant surgery; therefore, please consult thoroughly with your medical team before deciding on treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seoul Barun Implant Dental Clinic

Chief Director Moon Hong-yeol

Ministry of Health and Welfare Certified Specialist in Integrated Dentistry
Completed Master's program in Dentistry at Seoul National University
Adjunct Professor, Daegu Catholic University College of Medicine
Executive Director of the ICOI International Academy of Implantology
ICOI Mastership 2024 Cultural Director
Welfare Director of the Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology
American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) Certified
AAID Affiliate Fellow
ICOI Mastership
Regular member of the University of Pennsylvania Endo Research Society
Full member of the Advanced Orthodontic Classics Society
Invisalign Clear Aligner Clinical Research Society
Outstanding Regular Member of the Korean Dental Implant Society
Korea Mexico Active Member
Regular member of the Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
Regular member of the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Prosthodontics
Regular member of the Korean Academy of Maxillofacial Implantology
Regular member of the Korean Society of Conservation Science
BDPG Active Member
Completed BDPG Won's Basic Course
Completed BDPG Advance Course
Former Manager of Orthodontics and Implants at Boston Dental Clinic

 

 

 

 

Want to read more of Director Moon Hong-yeol's column?

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