Left unchecked, severe tooth decay on any one of your teeth can pose a serious threat to your oral health and the overall function of your mouth. Sometimes the decay can penetrate so deep into the tooth that it compromises the sensitive internal structures. In extreme cases, the root of the tooth can be so badly damaged, decayed, or infected that it cannot be saved.
If this is the case, Dr. Gourley and Dr. Juson may recommend that the tooth be extracted in preparation for restoring it with a bridge. A bridge can restore the full function and appearance of the decayed tooth. It is essentially a replacement tooth that is fused to a pair of crowns, that are anchored on the abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the missing tooth).
The process of restoring the tooth with a bridge starts with our dentist preparing the two abutment teeth. This is done by shaping the enamel of the two closest teeth. Next Drs. Gourley and Juson will make an impression of the abutment teeth and your personal bite pattern. This will be sent to our dental lab where your new bridge is made.
Then temporary crowns are cemented over each abutment tooth to protect them while the dental lab is custom making your permanent bridge.
When the dental lab has completed your permanent bridge, [practice_name] will call you in for a brief second appointment The temporary crowns will be removed and your new bridge will be cemented in place over the two abutment teeth.
If you would like to learn more about how a dental crown in [city], [state], can restore your smile, call [practice_name] at [phone] to schedule an appointment.
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