A missing tooth resulting from severe decay or extraction can pose several problems for the health and function of your mouth. Beyond the impaired ability to chew food, it can also cause you to slur your speech and leave you with an unappealing smile. At the same time, the structural loss of the tooth can gradually cause the surrounding teeth to alter their alignment.
To treat and prevent these complications, your dentists will often recommend replacing the missing tooth with a dental bridge. A dental bridge in Manchester, Iowa, is two crowns fused together with a third representative tooth in the middle. It is mounted on a pair of abutments that are formed by the two closest neighboring teeth.
It typically takes two separate appointments to completely install a bridge. During the first appointment, your dentists will examine the two neighboring teeth to make sure they are completely healthy.
Then, he will use a drill to remove most of the enamel layer of each tooth. This creates a pair of abutments that will later anchor your bridge.
An impression will be cast of the area, which will be sent to our dental lab. This will serve as a guide for the technicians when custom making your final bridge. Then, each of the abutments will be protected by hard, plastic, temporary crowns.
We will call you to schedule your second appointment when the dental lab tech has completed your new bridge. The temporary crowns will be removed and your new bridge will be cemented into place.
If you’re missing a tooth, you should call 563-927-4746 to explore your restoration options at Dental Associates of Manchester.