Everything You Should Know About Dental Bridges

Even one missing tooth can significantly impact your oral health and appearance. For instance, it can cause jawbone resorption, poor teeth alignment, poor bite, impaired speech, and facial sagging. It’s therefore advisable that you replace a lost tooth or teeth as soon as possible. If you’re on the journey to finding a reliable solution for your missing teeth, you have three options – Dental implants, bridges, and dentures.

Each of these treatments comes with advantages and disadvantages. For instance, while implants offer a nearly perfect replacement for missing teeth, they are expensive and involve surgical interventions. Dentures are easy to get and use, but on the downside, they don’t provide as much biting strength and stability as implants and bridges. In this article, we’ll focus on dental bridges.

What is a Bridge?

A bridge is a dental appliance containing artificial teeth to replace natural teeth. Sometimes a bridge can be referred to as a fixed partial denture. The artificial teeth are secured or supported by dental crowns or crowns attached to healthy adjacent teeth. If this is not an option, the artificial tooth supports metal or dental frameworks of implants on either side.

Common Problems Linked to Dental Bridges

While dental bridges have their merits, they also come with downsides. These can include:

• Ill-fitting bridges

Improperly fitted Bridges can happen. For this reason, it’s crucial to work with a qualified and experienced dentist. A bridge is a customized treatment that should fit comfortably and perfectly. In other words, it should provide the necessary benefits without causing harm to the patient. It should also look natural.

Ill-fitting bridges can slip and cause severe discomforts such as irritation, boils, infections, and gum recession around the false tooth. If something doesn’t feel right about your bridge, you should see your dentist immediately for adjustments.

• Tooth decay

After the dental bridge procedure, excellent dental hygiene is necessary to maintain good oral health. It’s not uncommon for bridge patients to develop tooth decay under the supporting teeth. For this reason, brush and floss thoroughly and schedule regular professional cleanings and exams with your dentist.

• Sensitivity

After fitting the bridge, some patients may develop sensitivity in their gums and the supporting teeth. Fortunately, the issue should fade away after a few days. If the sensitivity hasn’t disappeared after two weeks, consult your dentist immediately.

• Bridge damage

Like other restorations, dental bridges aren’t indestructible. Avoid habits such as smoking, chewing ice, and eating hard or sticky foods to preserve your bridge. If any part of your bridge is damaged, it can increase your risk of developing infections. You should consult your dentist for a replacement immediately.

• Cracked or damaged anchor tooth

To fit the bridge, the adjacent teeth that support it have to be trimmed or shaved to allow the crown to work correctly. The tooth’s structure can be vulnerable to cracks and chips. If unnoticed or untreated, these cracks because a passage for bacteria, eventually leading to cavities and tooth decay.

Why Would Someone Need a Dental Bridge?

Generally, dental bridges replace missing and severely damaged teeth. Once installed, a bridge is beneficial in many ways, including:

• Improved oral appearance – Your new bridge gives you a natural and attractive smile.
• Improved bite and speech abilities
• Improved facial Structures – Bridges prevent facial sagging, wrinkles, and premature aging.
• Prevents teeth misalignments – The adjacent teeth tend to tilt towards the gap after tooth extraction, causing misalignments.
• Maintains the health of gum tissues and jawbone
• Improved oral hygiene and health – Closing teeth gaps make oral hygiene easier.
• Restored self-esteem and confidence – Missing teeth can negatively affect how you feel about your smile.

Schedule an Appointment Today

When a bridge is installed correctly and cared for, you’re unlikely to encounter any problems mentioned above. It is crucial to work with a qualified dentist and maintain excellent dental hygiene. For more information about dental bridge treatments, contact Raynham Dental Group, the Office of Dr. Michael Scanlon.