Fixed Dental Bridges changes functionality of yourTeeth.
One or more missing teeth can adversely affect the appearance and functionality of your smile. Missing teeth can cause a change in occlusion (bite), shifting of the teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder, speech impediments, an increased risk for periodontal disease and a greater chance of tooth decay. Dental bridges, like implants and partial dentures, are used to replace missing teeth. There are several types of fixed dental bridges (cannot be removed), including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges. The Confi Dental Clinic is located near Dickinson, Tx is the best option available and accepts Medicaid.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
During the first visit, the dentist examines the health of your gums and other teeth to evaluate if you are a candidate for a dental bridge. If you are a candidate for a dental bridge, you are given a local anesthetic so the dentist can prepare the teeth required to support the bridge. If the support teeth are decayed or badly broken down, the dentist may have to build them back up before they can be used as support teeth for a bridge.
Next, the dentist takes an impression of the prepared teeth with a putty-like material that is used to create a model of your teeth. Your bridge is fabricated based on this model by a skilled lab technician so that it precisely fits the prepared teeth. It is important that your restoration fit perfectly to avoid additional oral health problems such as tooth decay.
While your bridge is being fabricated, the dentist fits you with a temporary bridge so the teeth and gums can be protected from damage until your permanent bridge is ready. To complete the dental bridge procedure, you must return to the dental office for a second visit to have the bridge fitted and cemented.
Recovery and Dental Care After a Bridge
You might have a little sensitivity in the teeth to which your bridge is attached in the days following your appointment. This is just because your dentist has activated the nerves in these teeth while working on them. The sensitivity should wane in the days that follow. Many patients find that chewing and speaking with a bridge is a little awkward at first, especially if the teeth have been missing for some time. However, the body adapts quickly, and before long, you will be able to chew on your bridge just like you would a natural tooth.
With proper care, a dental bridge can last 15 years and often much longer. Here are some ways to properly care for your dental bridge:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, being sure to brush around the bridge just like you would a natural tooth.
- Floss between the bridge and your gums to remove oral bacteria that accumulate in this area and may cause gum disease. Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you how to do this.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill germs in the tissues surrounding your bridge.
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups to ensure any issues with your bridge are detected early.
There are no serious dietary restrictions that you must follow when you have a dental bridge. However, you should minimize your intake of overly crunchy and chewy foods, as these place excess strain on the teeth supporting the bridge and may contribute to shifting of these teeth over time. If you eat something sticky or gooey, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the bridge.
If you ever begin to experience pain or aching in the teeth to which your bridge is attached, contact your dentist. Also see your dentist if the gums around your bridge become swollen, sore, red, or prone to bleeding. These are signs of gum disease that must be addressed to prevent decay in the teeth to which your bridge is attached.
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