Dental trauma from a hard blow the face can severely compromise one of your teeth. This is even more likely to befall you if you play in vigorous athletics without the protection of a quality mouthguard. Sometimes a severe dental trauma can be treated with endodontic measures such as a root canal. In a severe case where the root of the tooth has suffered significant damage, Dr. Lonnie Anderson might advocate a total extraction.
It might take a week or two for your gums to fully heal and all traces of pain to completely dissipate. At this point, Dr. Lonnie Anderson can help you decide if you want to restore the tooth with a dental implant or a dental bridge. Both of these options are available at Lonnie A. Anderson, DDS.
A dental implant often requires one or two oral surgeries. If you’re not comfortable with this, Dr. Lonnie Anderson might advocate a dental bridge restoration.
This is basically an artificial tooth that mimics the appearance of a natural tooth. It is fused to an empty crown at each end. It will eventually be anchored onto abutments that are formed out of the healthy cores of the two closest teeth.
Dr. Lonnie Anderson will form the two abutments by completely removing the tooth enamel of each tooth with a special dental drill. Each abutment will contain the dentin layer of the tooth that surrounds the healthy pulp and root.
Once this is done, a detailed impression will be created and sent to a dental lab. The technicians will use it to cast a bridge that replicates the shape and function of all three teeth.
Temporary crowns will be secured over each abutment to protect them while the dental lab technician does their work.
When the bridge is ready, a member of Dr. Lonnie Anderson’s staff will call you to schedule a second appointment. Dr. Lonnie Anderson will remove each of the temporary crowns and cement your new bridge onto the abutments with a strong dental adhesive.
If you live in the Juneau, Alaska, area and you have a suffered a severe dental trauma, you should call 907-789-2066 to schedule an appointment at Lonnie A. Anderson, DDS.
