While it is unfortunate, there are times when a tooth might be lost to severe tooth decay, or an accident knocks a tooth out. In some cases, a tooth might be cracked or fractured so much that Dr. Rossana T. Alfonso still can’t save it, by any conventional means.
Even if you get used to living with the missing tooth, it can still lead to future complications. It’s not unheard of for the surrounding teeth to twist, turn and migrate a little to partially attempt to fill the void. This can cause alignment and bite issues with several of the surrounding teeth.
If you’ve lost a tooth, in some manner, Dr. Rossana T. Alfonso might recommend having it completely restored by a bridge.
After the extraction it will take a little while for your gums to heal. Once they are fully healed Dr. Rossana T. Alfonso can completely restore the function and appearance of the tooth by installing a bridge.
Once your gums are health Dr. Rossana T. Alfonso can help you explore your restoration options. One of the most common ways to restore a decayed and extracted tooth is to install a bridge.
For all intents and purposes, a bridge essentially mimics the appearance of a natural tooth. It is fused to a pair of crowns, anchored on abutments formed from the two neighboring teeth.
Dr. Rossana T. Alfonso will create the two abutments by removing the majority of the enamel layer of each of the anchoring teeth. Then she will leave small amount of enamel to protect the otherwise healthy interior of the teeth.
Dr. Rossana T. Alfonso will then take an impression of the two abutments, which includes the void left by the missing tooth and the relationship to any other teeth in your bite pattern. This impression we be sent to a dental lab where your permanent bridge will be made. Once this is done she will secure temporary crowns, over each abutment to protect them while the lab works on your permanent bridge.
Dr. Rossana T. Alfonso will schedule a brief second appointment once your permanent bridge is completed. The temporary crowns are removed and your new bridge is cemented in place.
If you have recently lost a tooth, you should call Dr. Rossana T. Alfonso as soon as possible, at 619.470.2558 to explore your restoration options.