Everything You Never Knew About Dental Bridges

Dental bridges need to be anchored to healthy teeth on both sides. Often this is achieved by adding crowns to those healthy teeth, giving the bridge a solid anchor to hold the bridge in place. With this, it is sometimes difficult to keep the teeth clean and there is a possibility of dental decay to the healthy anchored teeth.

Another disadvantage is that they are not a permanent fix. They do tend to wear out over time, where dental implants are considered to be a more permanent solution.

The procedure itself is not a painful process, because a local anesthetic is used to numb the mouth and jaw area. Some people feel great after their procedure with little to no discomfort. Others, especially people with sensitive teeth or a tendency to have swollen gums, may feel a bit of discomfort for the first few days. This soreness can most often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if you are having more discomfort, it is important to let us know so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible.

Immediately after getting a new prosthetic bridge, you may find that they feel unnatural or even bulky. Your bite may feel different than before. This is normal and your body will adjust to it, most often quite quickly.

If you are wondering if a dental bridge is worth it, there are lot of things to consider. One of the most important things to think about is how a dental bridge can help restore your self-confidence and self-esteem. A bridge can fix your smile and make it as good as or even better than it was previously. It can also restore your ability to eat food and chew comfortably and thoroughly.

In terms of the treatment itself, there are many reasons why a dental bridge would be the recommended treatment for a patient. Here are a few:

• A dental bridge doesn’t require surgery. The procedure can be done in an office visit with only a local anesthetic.
• If you have several healthy teeth, it is often best to keep those healthy teeth intact and not remove them. Bridges don’t require all teeth to be removed and the healthy teeth can be maintained just as they always have been.
• The remaining teeth are protected from shifting and bone loss. If the empty spaces are left for a period of time, the other teeth may move.
• Both shifting and bone loss can make a significant difference in a person’s appearance aesthetically, sometimes causing a sunken-in look to the face. Bridges maintain the natural placement of teeth and prevent a change in the bone structure of the face.
• It is a more affordable option, as well as more likely to be covered under dental and healthcare insurance.

Yes, you can chew gum if that’s your thing. You may want to consider if it is in your best option though. Gum and chewy food do have a potential to cause damage to the bridge. As with all things though, almost everything is fine in moderation.

As a rule of thumb, you should be able to eat, drink, and chew whatever you enjoy normally. Hard foods are no exception… you can have them if you want. It is recommended, however, that you are careful while consuming hard foods because there is the potential for damage to the prosthetic bridge itself. If you need to chew with a lot of pressure, be sure to lessen your chances for damage by being extra mindful of chewing carefully.

There are special brushes you can use if you choose to keep your tooth bridge clean but they aren’t necessary. All that needs to be done to keep them sparkling clean is toothpaste, a soft bristled toothbrush, and floss.

Absolutely, and many dentists suggest using mouthwash that contains fluoride or is considered antibacterial. It’s just an extra layer of cleanliness and protection.

Unfortunately, getting food under your dental bridge is something that can happen, but it depends upon your actual bridge and how seamlessly it fits against your gumline. That, of course, depends upon your own specific needs for your bridge.

Sure, you certainly can use an electric toothbrush on your bridgework.

You should always floss your teeth, both the natural teeth and wherever there is a space between the bridge and your gums, just like you would normally do. Many patients find that using a water flosser such as a Waterpik works well for cleaning under their bridge.

It depends on if your bridge is fixed in your mouth or if it is removable. If it’s removable, you should remove it each night before bed.

As with any situation, your dentist can tell you what your best option is. If you have a cracked or broken tooth, depending on the damage, oftentimes crowns can fix the problem. If you need to have the tooth removed or if you have a few teeth that are missing, a bridge is often the way to go.

As with the previous question, your dentist knows what is best in your current situation. As a rule of thumb, if you have more than one tooth that is missing or that needs to be removed, a bridge is often recommended.

In most circumstances, a bridge can restore from one to four teeth. Sometimes it is possible to do more. This would depend upon your dentist’s recommendations.

Teeth bridges are meant to be strong and durable. They ARE used in the mouth after all. The mouth and jaw have strong muscles capable of producing a lot of pressure.

Fixed bridges are anchored well and are meant to remain in the mouth until they are removed by a dental professional.

Removable bridges are also meant to stay in the mouth and use your other natural teeth to hold them in place. It is possible for them to fall out though. Make sure your dental bridge is fitted well and discuss with your dentist any problems or worries you have about them staying put.

Bridges can replace from one to four missing teeth and need two healthy teeth – one on each side of the mouth – to anchor to.

Think of your dentist as a specialized artist… he or she can make your new teeth look as good as or even better than your natural teeth that are being replaced. They will match the color of your teeth and will be shaped and sized appropriately for your own mouth.

Oh, the beauty of technology! With the current advances in dentistry and computer technology, your new bridge can be installed in a day. There are always special circumstances that this is not available for, but for the majority of patients, it is definitely possible.