My Tooth Post Broke at the Gumline

Posted by AllSmiles

My upper right incisor has a post that broke at the gumline. The tooth is part of a bridge, too. What can I expect for treatment options? Will I need a new post or a new bridge? Thanks. Simeon from MO

Simeon,

Several factors make your situation complicated. Because the post has fractured at the gumline, the dentist cannot easily grip it. Even techniques that sometimes loosen posts may not work without removing additional surrounding tooth structure.

Since this affects tooth #7—the smallest front tooth—drilling away more structure would leave very limited support for a new post. That weak foundation reduces the likelihood of lasting success.

The Impact on Your Existing Bridge

Gaining proper access to the tooth requires cutting the crown off the bridge. After that step, replacing the entire bridge typically becomes necessary. This is one disadvantage of bridges compared with implants—damage to a single supporting tooth can mean replacing everything.

At this point, treatment decisions focus on durability rather than short-term repair.

Looking Toward a Stable Future Result

A replacement post would not necessarily last longer than the original and might fail sooner, especially if strong lateral biting forces affect your front teeth. Repeated breakage often signals the need for a different long-term approach.

Dentists usually compare the most realistic treatment paths before recommending the next steps:

• Two separate dental implants to replace the missing tooth and tooth #7.
• A four-unit bridge extending across the front teeth for support.

Because a longer bridge increases stress on neighboring teeth, it may carry a greater risk in someone with a history of fractures. Although I would always defer to the dentist who has examined you, implants frequently provide the most predictable stability in cases like this.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. Read about what they do to provide some of the best dental care in Chandler.