A Missing Tooth Can Often Be Restored in Your Mouth by a Bridge

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Missing a tooth due to severe decay, avulsion or a treatment-based extraction can lead to any number of different oral health complications. While you might be able to adapt to the decreased ability to chew, it can also impact your physical appearance and even cause you to slur your speech. Since each tooth depends on the structure of its neighbors, the void could cause the surrounding teeth to alter their positions.

Fortunately, we have several different methods for replacing the missing tooth. If you aren’t interested in the invasive techniques used to restore the tooth with a dental implant, they might suggest a dental bridge restoration. This is two crowns fused together with a false tooth in the middle. It is mounted on a pair of abutments that are formed out of the two closest neighboring teeth.

Once your dentist has assessed the health of the neighboring teeth, her or she will use a drill to remove each tooth enamel layer. This will form a pair of post-like abutments. This creates a small, protective sheath that houses the healthy pulp, root, and nerve of each tooth. Temporary crowns will then be secured over each abutment to protect them.

An impression will be taken, including both abutments and the corresponding teeth in your bite. This will be sent to our dental lab to help guide the technicians as they produce your new bridge.

When the final bridge is ready, a member of our staff will call you to schedule a brief second appointment. The temporary crowns will be removed and your new bridge will be cemented into place.

If you live in the Mentor, Ohio, area and you are missing a tooth, you should call 440-358-0495 to explore your restoration options at Albrecht Family Dentistry.