Now tooth 8, which was prepared to fit the bridge, is painful and sensitive to cold. I went back to the dentist, and she told me that I needed a root canal in tooth 8. She said they could drill through the crown and that it could be refilled without damage to the bridge. She also told me that, in general, I shouldn't ever again chew apples or any hard foods with my new bridge.

Had I known that this new type of bridge required substantial removal of adjacent teeth (and the inability to chew hard food), I would have strongly considered implants instead, or I would have found another dentist who did Maryland bridges. I'm young and my teeth were all healthy before this, and I try to take very good care of my teeth. I miss my Maryland bridge!

I'm concerned about drilling through the crown, but most of all I'm concerned that my concerns aren't being addressed. In retrospect, I feel like I was rushed into a decision to get crowns prematurely, and that my options weren't explained in advance.

So my question is, what is the general feeling on Maryland bridges vs. regular bridges vs. implants in a young, healthy person? And can anyone refer me to a different dentist? I'm willing to travel anywhere in the DC metro-area to get better treatment. The catch is that I have Cigna Dental HMO insurance.

Thanks very much for your help, and I appreciate your time.