Tooth decay is often the result of bacterial exploitation bolstered by plaque buildup and food particles that weren’t cleaned away by your daily oral hygiene routine. This can be an even more serious problem if you have a bad habit of putting off your twice-annual dental checkup at Jordan Landing Smiles.
If it isn’t detected and treated early, the tooth decay will inevitably spread faster and faster through the tooth. As time goes by, bacteria could infiltrate the root and socket of the tooth, causing a dangerous abscess or leading to total tooth loss.
For a tooth this seriously afflicted, Dr. Powell might recommend a total extraction in preparation for a dental bridge restoration.
This is one solid yet sturdy piece of dental work that replicates the appearance and function of the original tooth. It is fused to a pair of crowns on each end. It will eventually be anchored on abutments that are formed from the two neighboring teeth.
Dr. Powell will create the two abutments by removing the tooth enamel layer of each of the neighboring teeth. The dentin pillars surrounding the healthy interior of each tooth will later anchor the bridge in place.
A detailed impression will be made of the area, which will be sent to a dental lab as a guide for creating your new bridge. Temporary crowns will then be cemented over each abutment to protect them while you await the completion of your new bridge.
When it’s ready, you will be called to schedule a second appointment. This session will be brief. Dr. Powell will simply remove the temporary crowns and cement your bridge firmly onto the abutments.
If you live in the West Jordan, UT, area and you’ve lost a tooth to untreated decay, you should call West Jordan Dental Office to have it treated at Jordan Landing Smiles.