Tooth loss can occur from different causes. Most of the time, it is the result of severe, untreated decay. However, dental avulsion, severe dental fractures, and gum disease complications can also cause tooth loss.

Beyond the impaired ability to chew food, speak or look as attractive as you would like, tooth loss can have other ramifications. As time goes by, the neighboring teeth might start to respond to the void, altering their positions and alignments. This can cause chips and fractures on the corresponding teeth in your bite pattern.

The most effective, preventative measure is to have Dr. [doctor_name] and our other dentists install a dental bridge into the void.

This is basically an artificial tooth fused into a single piece of dental work that has a hollow crown at each end. It will eventually be anchored onto abutments that are formed out of the healthy core of the two closest teeth.

Your dentist will form the two abutments by removing the tooth enamel from each tooth. The abutment will contain the dentin layer surrounding the healthy pulp and root of the tooth. A detailed impression will be made of the two abutments and the corresponding teeth. This will be sent to our dental lab where your new bridge will be created.

In the interim, your dentist will secure a temporary crown over each abutment to protect them. This will help keep them safe while the off-site dental lab technician custom makes your bridge.

You will need to come in for a second appointment when your bridge is ready. This involves removing the temporary crowns and using a potent dental adhesive to secure the bridge onto the abutments.

If you are missing a tooth and you’re interested in a dental bridge in Waco, Temple, or Gatesville, Texas, you should call [phone] to schedule an appointment at [practice_name].