Oral traumas can sometimes be severe. In an extreme case, an accident could carry enough force to badly damage, shatter or cleave a tooth in half. In these rare instances, the damage to the interior of the tooth might be so severe that Drs. Stanovick and Stanovick cannot viably treat it with a root canal.
For a tooth in this condition, he might recommend a total extraction of the root before suturing the gums. This will reduce the pain, prevent infection, and allow the socket to heal properly.
When you’re ready, Drs. Stanovick and Stanovick can help you understand your restoration options. If you aren’t interested in the invasive techniques used to restore the tooth with a dental implant, he might offer an alternative in the form of a dental bridge restoration. A dental bridge in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is two crowns fused together with a third representative tooth in the middle. It is mounted on a pair of abutments that are formed by the two closest neighboring teeth.
After assessing the health of the neighboring teeth, Drs. Stanovick and Stanovick will use a drill to remove their tooth enamel layer. This will form a pair of post-like abutments. This creates a small protective sheath that houses the healthy pulp, root, and nerve of each tooth. Temporary crowns will then be secured over each abutment to protect them.
An impression will be made of the abutments and the corresponding teeth in your bite. This will be sent to our dental lab to help guide the technicians as they produce your new bridge.
When your new bridge is ready, a member of our staff will call you to schedule a brief second appointment. The temporary crowns will be removed and your new bridge will be cemented into place.
If you are suffering with a badly damaged tooth, you should call 804-781-1919 to schedule treatment at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS.