If you’ve had a tooth knocked out, or one that needed to be extracted after being damaged in an accident it can seriously compromise your mouth and impact your quality of life. Beyond simply limiting your ability to chew food it might also cause a slur in your speech or be noticeable in your smile. Even if you learn to live with the missing tooth the lost structure in the area can pose a long term problem. In time the surrounding teeth will start to turn or migrate towards to void, leading to issues in your bite pattern.
The dentists at Brent A. Spear, DDS can restore the lost tooth with a bridge. This piece of dental work basically mimics the appearance of a natural tooth. It will eventually be anchored into place by a pair of crowns, cemented on to abutments formed out of the two closest teeth.
To form the abutments, the dentist will first remove the majority of enamel from the two closest teeth, leaving behind a small sheath to protect the healthy pulp and root of each tooth. Then they will make an impression of the area, which will be sent to a special dental lab that will prepare your permanent bridge. Temporary crowns, are then cemented over each abutment to protect it while the lab prepares your new bridge.
When your permanent bridge is ready Brent A. Spear, DDS will call you in for a brief follow up appointment. The temporary crowns will be removed and the permanent bridge is cemented in place. With proper care and cleaning your new bridge should last for many years to come.
If you have lost a tooth and would like to explore your restoration options, please feel free to call Brent A. Spear, DDS at 817.920.1488 to schedule an appointment.