There are times when a tooth is so badly decayed or damaged that even our highly trained staff can’t save it. The tooth must be extracted and the gums need to heal in order to prevent further complications.
Even if you learn to live without the extracted tooth, having a missing tooth could lead to other complications because the surrounding teeth will move slightly towards the void, causing misalignment.
One of the most effective ways to restore the structure, function and appearance of a previously extracted tooth is to have your dentist, Dr. Crawford A. Tatum Jr. install a dental bridge. A dental bridge in Opelika, Alabama, effectively mimics a natural tooth. The bridge is fused to a pair of dental crowns that are anchored to the two closest teeth.
Your dentist will shape the anchoring teeth by removing the majority of their enamel. Then, an impression will be taken of the abutments. This impression will be sent to a dental lab and will be used as a guide for our professional lab technicians who make your new bridge.
Your dentist will then cement a temporary crown over each abutment to protect them while the dental lab works on your permanent bridge.
Later, our Tatum & Cox team will call you into our office for a second appointment once the lab has completed your bridge. During this appointment your dentist will remove the temporary crowns and cement your bridge into place.
If you’ve previously had a tooth extracted and you’re interested in restoring its function and appearance with a dental bridge, you should call Tatum & Cox at 334-745-6393 to schedule an appointment.