A tooth suffering from an untreated cavity is at increased risk of developing serious complications. When a significant amount of dental structure is compromised or the root becomes infected, the tooth could severely fracture. At the same time, the bacterial presence could also invade the root causing a dangerous infection to develop in the gums.
To treat a tooth this severely distressed, our dentist at Jamie P. Choi, DDS in San Jose, California might be able to perform a root canal. In a severe case where too much of the tooth has been compromised, we might recommend extracting the remnants from the gums and suturing the socket. This will help ease any pain and prevent an infection from spreading into your blood stream.
Once everything has healed and any infection concerns have subsided we can help you understand your dental restoration options. One of the more popular options is to replace the missing tooth with a bridge. This is a single piece of dental work with two crowns attached to an artificial tooth in the middle. It will eventually be anchored onto abutments formed from the core of the two nearest teeth. To do this our dentist will remove the tooth enamel from each of these teeth, leaving behind a pillar of healthy dentin.
Our Jamie P. Choi, DDS dentist will then secure a temporary crown made of hard plastic over each abutment to protect it while the lab prepares your permanent bridge. We will call you to schedule a brief second appointment when your bridge is ready. The temporary crowns will be removed and our dentist will cement your new bridge in place with a strong dental adhesive.
If you live in the San Jose, California area and have a tooth that’s been compromised by untreated tooth decay, we invite you to call 408-973-8500 to schedule treatment with Dr. Jamie Choi.