Temporary Bridge

Last Monday I had my entire upper arcade broken down and rebuilt to support a 12 crown bridge. I am currently wearing a temporary bridge which is causing me severe pain. My entire gumline is exposed causing excessive temperature sensitivity and irritation. My dentist claims he wants the gumline exposed so it will heal from all the trauma. I have also developed ulcers on my inner lip that are extremely painful which my dentist is calling an immune response basically blaming my body not his work. My dentist assures me that this is part of the normal healing process. I am now starting to have some doubts because a week later I still can't eat or speak without severe pain. I realize that this is just a temporary bridge but shouldn't it at least be somewhat comfortable...Ifeel like it's too large for my mouth and it's cutting off my circulation. Is this normal for a temp? Should I rush him to place the final one because that one may feel better? Or should I follow his plan and allow for what he considers "healing time"?

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Its hard for me to comment as I can't really see the bridge and test it.  I would go back to the dentist and ask for a new temporary if its not bearable though.  I have placed temporaries and with temporaries that cause problems, I generally will replace them.  I don't like to leave the patient in any discomfort if possible.  Your particular situation may not allow you to be pain free and there may be some slight discomfort but it sounds like its more than just discomfort or annoyance.  The temporaries should probably be replaced.