A Tooth Lost to Untreated Decay Can Often Be Replaced by a Dental Bridge

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When a cavity forms on one of your teeth, the bacteria are tenacious in their attempts to exploit the tooth enamel. Without timely treatment, this decay can start to penetrate the interior structures of the tooth. In time, it could compromise a significant amount of the tooth and infect the root, resulting in the total loss of the tooth. To treat a case like this, your dentist, Dr. Brent Murphy, might need to extract the remnants and suture your gums.
Once your gums have completely healed, they can help you get a better understanding of your replacement options. One of the most effective ways to replace a tooth lost to severe decay is to install a dental bridge in its place. A dental bridge in Lincoln, Nebraska, is essentially two crowns fused together with an artificial tooth in the middle. It is mounted on a pair of abutments formed by the two closest neighboring teeth.
Your dentist will need two separate appointments to completely install a new bridge. During the first appointment, your dentist will examine the two neighboring teeth to make sure they are completely healthy. Then, they will use a drill to remove the tooth enamel from each tooth. This creates a pair of abutments that will later anchor your bridge.
A detailed impression will be cast of the abutment and any other pertinent teeth in the area. This will later be sent to a dental lab where your new bridge will be made. Finally, a hard, plastic, temporary crown is secured over each abutment to protect them.
We will call you to schedule your second appointment when the dental lab technician has completed your new bridge. The temporary crowns will be removed and your new bridge will be cemented into place.
If you have a severely decayed tooth, you should call Pine Ridge Dental at 402-423-1100 to see if you’re a good candidate for a dental bridge.