A dental bridge procedure aims to fill a gap due to one or more missing teeth. It involves trimming the teeth adjacent to the space left by the missing teeth, taking an impression of your teeth, and fabricating the bridge in a laboratory. After your bridge placement, you need to take certain measures for a faster recovery and avoid complications. Read on to find out what to expect and what to do after a dental bridge procedure.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from the Dental Bridge Procedure?
Recovery from a dental bridge procedure varies from person to person. In most cases, it takes about two weeks for the gums and teeth to recover from the procedure, but it may take a longer time to fully feel comfortable with the sensation of having a dental bridge.
During the first few days after the procedure, your gums and teeth may be sore. You may also experience mild tooth sensitivity, particularly when chewing. These symptoms are normal and usually resolve on their own within a week or two.
Does Dental Bridge Recovery Hurt?
Typically, dental bridge recovery should not be extremely painful. After your procedure, your mouth and gums may feel sore and tender because your dentist trimmed your teeth. Soreness may also occur due to the placement of your bridge. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications for pain relief.
Tooth sensitivity may be felt during the first few days. This is especially true when you eat or drink something hot or cold. If you feel persistent pain and sensitivity after two weeks, see your dentist for a consult.
Can a Dental Bridge Cause Complications?
While it’s rare, complications can occur after a dental bridge procedure, including:
- Infection
If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, an infection can develop around the abutment teeth or gum line, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.
- Tooth Sensitivity
It is normal to feel sensitivity during the first few days after dental bridge placement. However, prolonged tooth sensitivity due to cold and hot beverages can be a sign of an ill-fitting bridge. On the other hand, sensitivity upon biting may also be caused by a bridge that is too thick. In such cases, trimming the bridge can resolve the sensitivity.
- Receding Gums
Failure to clean the dental bridge causes plaque to accumulate along the gum line, which can lead to gum disease. As a result, the gums move away from the crown, thereby exposing the root of the tooth.
- Inadequate Bite
If your new dental bridge doesn’t fit properly, it can cause problems with your bite. This often occurs when the dental bridge is too thick or high.
How Do I Care for My Dental Bridge?
Here are some tips on how to care for your dental bridge and extend its lifespan:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can be abrasive for dental bridges and may damage them. Include the area underneath your bridge when brushing.
- Floss your teeth at least once daily with an interdental brush or floss threader to clean the areas around your bridge.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash daily to help reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth.
- Maintain regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and checkups. They can also detect any potential problems so they can address them before they become a bigger concern.
- Avoid hard foods since chewing on them may damage your dental bridge or loosen it from the abutment teeth. To avoid this, stick to soft foods for the first few weeks after your procedure.
- Consider quitting smoking or at least reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke every day. Smoking can cause gum disease, which is the leading cause of dental bridge failure.
Final Thoughts
A dental bridge is a great way to fill the gaps left by missing teeth and a more cost-effective tooth replacement option to help you achieve a more beautiful smile. After your procedure, you should take certain measures to recover quickly and avoid complications, which includes practising good oral hygiene. Your healing time should not be excruciating, but if you experience persistent pain or sensitivity during this time, be sure to see your dentist. They can make the necessary adjustments and check if your dental bridge fits properly.
Contact us today to book a consultation if you are considering dental bridges. We have a team of dentists with several years of experience performing this dental procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental bridge provides a number of benefits. First, it can help you restore your smile. Since a bridge closes gaps between your teeth, it can help you achieve a more beautiful smile, boosting your confidence. Dental bridges can also improve your oral functions. Note that tooth gaps can make it hard for you to chew and pronounce words clearly. By filling these gaps, a dental bridge can help you eat and talk more comfortably. Lastly, if you don’t replace a missing tooth, the remaining teeth will start to shift toward the gap. This can lead to misalignment, a change in your bite, and a change in your face shape. Getting a dental bridge can help prevent these from occurring.
It’s not difficult to eat with a dental bridge as long as it fits properly. You may feel a little discomfort when you eat hard or chewy foods at first, but this will go away as you get used to it.
On average, a dental bridge can last for 5 to 7 years, but with proper care, it may last up to 10 to 15 years. A few factors affect the lifespan of your dental bridges, including the type of bridge you have, your oral hygiene habits, and how well you take care of your teeth.
There are four common types of bridges: the traditional bridge, the cantilever bridge, the Maryland bridge, and the implant-supported bridge. The traditional or permanent bridge is the most common type of bridge and is made up of two dental crowns that support a false tooth in the middle. A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but only has one dental crown supporting the false tooth.
A Maryland bridge is made up of a metal framework with wings that are bonded to the back of your teeth. It is not as strong as a traditional bridge but is less invasive. Lastly, an implant-supported dental bridge is supported by dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone. It is the strongest and most durable dental bridge type and the most expensive. Your dentist will determine the type of bridge suitable for you based on your overall circumstances and preference.
