Missing a tooth can have several deleterious effects on your oral health. In addition to the basic loss of function and attractive appearance, the lost tooth can also make you slur your speech and it can lead to an infection in the gums. In time, the nearby teeth might even start to twist and move toward the gap that was left behind.
In a case like this, your dentist, Dr. Melissa Ravago, will often recommend replacing the lost tooth with a dental bridge. A bridge mimics the appearance of a natural tooth. It is made of two dental crowns and one or more false teeth, and it is anchored the abutments that are formed out of the two neighboring teeth.
To create the abutments, your Ravago Dental dentist will use a drill and remove the enamel layer of each healthy tooth. A detailed impression will be taken of the area and temporary crowns will be secured over each abutment.
The impression and any relevant X-rays will be sent to the dental lab where your bridge is created.
When the dental lab has completed your bridge, we will call you back into our office for a follow-up appointment. During this visit, the temporary crowns will be removed and the dentist will cement your new bridge onto the two abutments.
If you have recently lost a tooth and you’re interested in having it replaced with a dental bridge in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you should call Ravago Dental at 505.292.6414 to schedule an appointment.