Your teeth are anchored in their sockets by a series of periodontal ligaments. While these ligaments hold them fast, it is possible for an accident or a blow to the face to cause so much trauma that one of your teeth can be completely knocked out. When this happens the chances of successfully implanting the tooth back into the socket are very low.
In a situation like this, Cowles Dental Care will often recommend having the knocked out tooth completely restored by installing a bridge. A bridge is single piece of dental work, that basically mimics the appearance of a natural tooth. The replacement tooth is fused to a pair of crowns that are anchored on abutments formed out of the two closest teeth.
To form the two abutments, the dentist will remove the majority of enamel layer of each tooth. This creates a small protective sheath housing the healthy pulp, root and nerve of each tooth. Temporary crowns are then secured over each abutment to protect it.
Next the dentist forms an impression of the abutments and surrounding teeth. This will be sent to a dental lab, to help guide them as they produce your permanent bridge.
Once the dental lab has completed your permanent bridge, Cowles Dental Care will call you in for a brief follow up appointment. Each of the temporary crowns will be removed and your new permanent bridge is cemented in place. This will effectively restore the full function of the knocked out tooth for many years to come.
If one of your teeth has been knocked out, you need to call Cowles Dental Care at 503-255-1506 to schedule an appointment.
