 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RogerM
Date: 2002-04-03 12:47
This question is specifically for the dentists on the board.
I have a front tooth that is crowned and has had several apecoectomys (sp) (the procedure where the dentist cuts into the gum cleans out infection, cuts off the end of the tooth and puts a filling on it) due to recurring infections. (I am 55 yrs old). It has been ok for about 15 yrs now, but the possibility remains that problems will resurface.
The tooth is on the top, number 2 from the front---pressure is applied to it when playing sax and clarinet. One doctor recommended pulling it and using a Maryland Bridge as opposed to a traditional bridge.
Two questions
Is a Md. Bridge really feasible for a woodwind player---ie. will it be strong enought for the pressures that we put on the teeth.
Am I correct that the tradition bridge would be more than strong enough.
Thanks
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Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2002-04-03 14:16
That's a question for Bob... a GP. The Maryland bridge is bodned onto the neighboring teeth whereas a tradidtional bridge involves doing a crown preparation on the two neighboring teeth. If done by someone truly skilled in prosthetics either should function adequately. The Maryland bridge sacrifices less tooth structure and is therefore less sturdy... the potential damage to the neighboring teeth is also less.
If you have a 15 year success on the lateral incisor I wouldn't do an extraction if you could avoid it. Since the root of the tooth is short should mobility occur I would consult your dentist, endodontist and periodontist, then consider a splint or using a mouth guard on the incisors... you will always have the option of extraction later and perhaps the option of placement of an implant.
You now have a whole list of stuff that as a children't dentist, I don't do... check with <A href=mailto:"gfoxx@msn.com">Bob</a>
Terry Horlick
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Author: Bob Thomson
Date: 2002-04-03 17:23
Roger,
I'm not going to say much because Terry has covered all the options very well. I would concur with his tacet thought - to leave well alone meantime. Ensure that you get regular checks for minor gum disorders and possibly regular xrays of the affected area. This can show a trend of eg long term bone loss. Also your crowned lateral incisor is less likely to be at risk from the trauma of your embouchure than either of your upper central incisors. Your dentist is obviously a very conscientious person, having carried out more than one apicectomy (correct spelling) on this tooth. Speak to him/her about your worries and he/she will do automatic checks as specified.
OK ? Happy tooting !
BobT
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Author: RogerM
Date: 2002-04-03 17:58
Bob---thanks.
Actually I have gone through a couple of dentists with this condition (due to retirements, leaving Tallahassee, etc.) My current dentist (who is excellent) does check the gum regularly.
Thanks for the spelling correction (I never knew how to spell it) and always wondered.
I guess all clarinet and sax players worry about losing teeth.
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Author: mpinner@pacific.net.au
Date: 2002-04-04 11:08
Check out Eddie Lockjaw Davis. He managed to play tenor, clarinet and flute and he only had a couple of teeth at the front.
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