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A Bridge Restoration Might Be Able to Restore the Presence of a Previously Extracted Tooth

May 25, 2017 4:20 am
The void left behind by a tooth that required treatment by extraction can lead to a myriad of potential complications. Beyond obvious things like impaired oral function and changes in your smile’s appearance, the missing tooth can also cause changes in the alignment of other teeth in the area. As time passes, the teeth adjacent to the void can start to drift and change their orientation in response to the void. This can cause dental fractures and enamel attrition on the related teeth in your bite pattern. Fortunately, the dental restoration specialists at Wagner & Langston Family Dentistry in Jonesboro, Arkansas, have a few different methods to prevent these complications. If you are uncomfortable with the oral surgery and timetable associated with a dental implant yet want something more permanent than a partial, we might recommend a bridge restoration. This is one single piece of dental work, that basically mimics the appearance of a natural tooth. The replacement tooth is fused to a pair of crowns that will eventually be anchored on abutments formed out of the two closest teeth. Your first appointment calls for removing the tooth enamel from each of the adjacent teeth to form a pair of post-shaped abutments. This creates a small protective sheath of dentin surrounding the pulp and root of each tooth. Your dentist, Dr. Wagner or Dr. Langston, will then take a detailed impression of the abutments and any corresponding teeth in your bite pattern. This will be sent to our off-site dental lab to help guide them as they produce the bridge. You will need to return to our practice for a brief second appointment when the bridge is ready. The temporary crowns will be removed, and they will use a strong dental adhesive to cement the bridge onto the abutments. If you live in the Jonesboro, Arkansas area and you are missing a tooth, please call 870-201-8863 to schedule an appointment at Wagner & Langston Family Dentistry’s dental practice. Dr. Wagner and Dr. Langston look forward to helping you with your oral health needs!

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