Cavities are often the unfortunate result of poor oral hygiene. When the natural bacteria living in your mouth attack a compromised tooth, the bacterial decay can sometimes spread quickly. If you are reticent to seek treatment at Houston Cosmetic & Family Dental Associates, the growing cavity could cause a severe fracture that results in the total loss of the tooth.
To treat a tooth in such a dire condition, Dr. Kenneth Kirk might recommend extracting the tooth. This will help ease any discomfort or pain and prevent a potential infection from forming in the damaged dental socket.
When your gums have fully healed and any infection concerns have passed, Dr. Kenneth Kirk can help you understand your dental restoration options. While dental implants are effective for restoring a missing tooth, they also call for at least one oral surgery and they often take a long time for the tooth’s presence in your mouth to be fully restored.
For people who are put off by these treatment requirements, Dr. Kenneth Kirk will often recommend a dental bridge restoration.
This is a two-part restoration process that starts with Dr. Kenneth Kirk forming abutments out of the two closest teeth. This is done by using a drill to remove the tooth enamel, leaving behind two healthy dentin pillars that have the healthy pulp and root within. Then, he will form an impression of the area. This will be sent to a state-of-the-art dental lab where your new bridge will be made.
Dr. Kenneth Kirk will then secure a temporary crown over each abutment to protect them while the lab technician is busy producing your final bridge.
You will need to come in to see Dr. Kenneth Kirk for a brief second appointment when your bridge comes back from the dental lab. The temporary crowns will be removed and your new bridge will be cemented onto the abutments with a strong dental adhesive.
If you live in the Spring, Texas, area and you’ve lost a tooth to an untreated cavity, you should call 281-826-0025 to seek treatment and restoration at Houston Cosmetic & Family Dental Associates.