Losing a tooth due to advanced tooth decay, can compromise your mouth and impact your quality of life. While it can impact your ability to chew food it might also cause a slur in your speech or be noticeable in your smile. Over time the void caused by the lost tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to turn or migrate to fill the gap. This can cause a series of alignment issues in your bite pattern.
Dr. Spear can restore the function, appearance and structure of the lost tooth with a bridge. A bridge essentially mimics the appearance of a natural tooth. It is fused to a pair of crowns, anchored on abutments formed on the neighboring teeth.
To form the abutments Dr. Spear will remove the majority of enamel from the neighboring teeth. This leaves just a small amount surrounding the healthy pulp and root of each tooth. Next, he will take an impression of the area, including the abutments, the void and your unique bite pattern. This is sent to a special dental lab that makes your new bridge. Temporary crowns, are then cemented over each abutment to protect it while the lab prepares your new bridge.
At your second appointment Dr. Spear removes the temporary crowns and cements the permanent bridge 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 Dr. Spear at 817.920.1488 to schedule an appointment.