If you have a lost tooth or teeth, dental bridges can assist. You may have discomfort or changes in your bite after receiving a dental bridge. Some people may experience tooth sensitivity.
Don’t worry, your bridge will go through an adjustment period, popularly known as ‘taking time to settle.’ Most patients require around two weeks to completely adjust.
Avoid extremely hot or cold meals during this period. Using sensitive toothpaste for the first few days will also relieve pain and discomfort.
Types Of Dental Bridges
There are four main types of dental bridges that you can get depending on your dental needs.
Traditional
The most popular form of dental bridge is a traditional bridge. They are utilized when your regular teeth on both sides surround a missing tooth or gap.
These bridges are made up of one or more pontic teeth kept in place by two abutment teeth. Natural teeth are given dental crowns to support the false teeth, or “pontic teeth,” that are placed between them.
Cantilever
Cantilever bridges, like typical bridges, are linked to an abutment tooth on only one side. When healthy teeth are only available on one gap side, cantilever bridges are utilized to fix the bridge.
Maryland
Maryland bridges, sometimes known as resin-bonded bridges, are frequently advised for replacing front teeth.
These bridges attach a pontic tooth to the backs of neighbouring regular teeth with metal or porcelain bands.
Implant-Supported
Implant-supported bridges are comparable to traditional dental bridges in that they are supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth.
These bridges are employed when there are several missing teeth or when there is a risk of putting too much strain on individual implants that are not linked.
Caring For A Dental Bridge
Even though the region is sensitive, it is critical to maintaining it clean. Brush and floss as needed, and use an antibiotic rinse to keep dangerous germs away.
You will be able to enjoy a gorgeous, functioning grin once your bridge has been firmly bonded into place.
Dental bridges have a lifespan of at least five to seven years. The bridge might survive for more than ten years with appropriate oral hygiene and regular expert cleanings.
Here are some strategies to care for your dental bridge.
Brush
Plaque deposits and tartar form quickly around the teeth and the gum line. Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
This will aid in the removal of irritants and the maintenance of healthy oral bacteria levels. Whitening pastes should be avoided since they might be overly harsh and harm the bridge.
Floss
The natural neighboring teeth support the entire bridge. You risk losing your restoration if they get damaged. As a result, it is critical that they are properly cared for.
At least once a day, clean in between all-natural teeth. This reduces the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease.
Clean Underneath The Bridge
You must clean beneath the dental bridge regularly. Remove dirt and food particles from the gap between the dental bridge and gums after brushing and flossing.
Go To Check-Ups
Everyone has to get regular checkups and cleanings. These measures are especially crucial if you have a dental bridge or another sort of treatment. The majority of patients attend twice-yearly visits.
If you are prone to gum disease, decay, or other dental disorders, your dentist may prescribe more regular visits.
Potential Dental Bridge Risks
Here are some things that can go wrong when having a dental bridge.
Infection
When you initially obtain your dental bridge, your dentist will tell you how to care for it. Following this advice can help you prevent issues caused by an infection in the teeth around you.
If you suspect your dental bridge is infected, see your dentist immediately before it worsens into something more dangerous, such as an oral abscess.
Sensitivity
Because your mouth and gums must adjust to the new form of your teeth, it is typical to have some discomfort around your teeth and gums for a few days after having a dental bridge fitted. This is especially true if you have had root canal treatment.
If the sensitivity persists for more than a few weeks, it might be due to an issue with the dental bridge’s location.
Stuck Food
Cleaning around your dental bridge requires special caution because the food might become lodged in the narrow crevices between the pontic and gum.
This is not only unpleasant, but it will soon begin to stink and produce germs that cause rotting.
Incorrect Tightness
It will take some time for you to adjust to the sensation of your new dental bridge.
Because there is increased strain on the supporting teeth, it may feel tight or painful, to begin with. If this sensation persists after a week, you should consult your dentist.
If your dental bridge becomes loose immediately after installation, your dentist may need to re-cement it.
If you see your dental bridge sliding, make an appointment right immediately so it may be repaired before any harm occurs.
The dental cement that keeps a tooth bridge in place will eventually fail, causing an old bridge to loosen and sometimes fall off completely.
If the supporting teeth are still in good condition, it may be feasible to re-cement them; otherwise, they will have to be replaced.
Summary
The time it takes for your dental bridge to settle can take anywhere from a few days to a week or two.
If it takes longer than that, you should arrange an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can so that they can check to see if something is preventing it from adjusting.
For your dental bridge to last years and maintain good oral hygiene, you must look after it, which means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, cleaning under the dental bridge, and going to regular dental check-ups.
If you do not do this, you put yourself at risk of developing infection and sensitivity.
He has combined both of these skills to create his first company, Isopharm Limited, which became one of the top learning platforms within the dental industry.
With over 120,000 active users, he has been able to educate others in order to provide better dental care around the world.
With his expertise and work in the field, Andrew has been able to help many dental care professionals succeed in treating their patients.
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