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As hard as your tooth enamel is, there are still times when a hard blow to the face or other oral trauma can carry so much force that it shatters a tooth. In an extreme case, the damage could compromise a significant amount of the pulp or even damage the root. If it’s too severe, your dentist, Dr. Pam Crumrine, might need to extract the tooth to treat the pain and prevent further complications.

Once your gums have healed, she can start the process of replacing the damaged tooth by installing a dental bridge. This single piece of dental work essentially replicates the appearance of a natural tooth. It is fused to a pair of crowns on each end that will eventually be anchored on abutments that are formed from the neighboring teeth.

Dr. Pam Crumrine will do this by removing the tooth enamel from each tooth. Then, she will cast an impression of the area, including the corresponding teeth in your bite. This will be sent to a special dental lab where your final bridge will be produced.

At the end of the appointment, temporary crowns will be cemented over each abutment to protect them.

Dr. Pam Crumrine will call you in for a brief, second appointment when your bridge is ready. The temporary crowns will be removed and the bridge will be cemented into place onto the abutments.

If you have recently suffered a cracked, fractured or otherwise badly damaged tooth and you’re interested in a dental bridge in Beaver, Pennsylvania, you should call 724-775-4860 to schedule an appointment.