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A large cavity or area of tooth decay is always a cause for concern. Left unchecked the decay can spread deep into the tooth, effectively damaging or killing the root of the tooth. When this happens, Dr. Lyudmila Shur usually has to extract the tooth before replacing it with a bridge.

A bridge is basically a false tooth that is fused onto two crowns. The bridge will be mounted onto abutments formed out of the two closest teeth. Once your gums are healed it often requires two separate appointments.

During the first appointment Dr. Lyudmila Shur will examine the two neighboring teeth to make sure they are healthy and strong enough to anchor the bridge. Then she will remove most of the enamel layer from each tooth forming the abutments.

Once this is done she will create an impression of the area, including the abutments and your personal bite pattern in that area. This information will be used as a guide by the dental lab that will custom make your bridge.

Temporary crowns are then cemented over each abutment to protect it in the interim.

Dr. Lyudmila Shur will call you back in for a brief follow up appointment when your custom bridge returns from the dental lab. The temporary crowns will be removed and your permanent bridge is cemented in place.

If you have a severely decayed tooth, you should not delay in calling Dr. Lyudmila Shur at 425-741-2030 to schedule an appointment.