The natural bacteria living in your mouth are pervasive as well as tenacious. When poor oral hygiene practices empower them to exploit weakened tooth enamel, the resulting tooth decay can spread quickly. If left untreated, the decay will inevitably penetrate deeper and deeper into the tooth. This can cause an infection in the root or even total tooth loss.
In a case like this, Dr. Stephen Craig Thomas’s only viable course of treatment might be to extract the remnants of the tooth and suture the gums. This will reduce pain and complications and prevent a dangerous infection from forming in the socket or gums. When you’re ready, he can help you decide if you’d like to replace the lost tooth. One of the most effective methods is to have a dental bridge installed in its place.
The process starts with your dentists forming two abutments out of the two closest teeth. To do this, he will use a drill to remove the tooth enamel layers. Then, he will form an impression of the abutments as well as the void and your personal bite pattern. This will be sent to an off-site dental lab where your new bridge will be created.
Dr. Pipkin and Dr. Jaques will then secure a temporary crown over each abutment to protect it while the lab technician is busy producing your new bridge.
Drs. Pipkin and Jaques will call you to schedule a brief second appointment when your bridge is ready. The temporary crowns will be removed and your new bridge will be cemented into place.
If you have lost a tooth to severe, untreated tooth decay and you’re interested in a dental bridge in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, you should call 843-899-5911 to seek treatment and restoration at Carolina Avenue Dental Care.