What To Expect During Dental Bridge Recovery

A bridge is one of the most common types of dental restoration, alongside dental implants and dental crowns. They are a great option for replacing missing teeth and can improve your appearance and oral health. Getting dental bridges is a big decision, but it’s one that can really improve your quality of life and help you achieve a healthy smile. Whether you are getting temporary bridges or permanent ones, there is a recovery process that you’ll need to go through. Read on as Byford Smiles explains what to expect after getting dental bridges.

What Can You Expect After Dental Bridge Placement?

Traditional bridges are artificial teeth used to address tooth loss. The false teeth are attached to the abutment teeth on either side of the gap, thus “bridging” it. After getting your artificial teeth attached, there are some dental complications you can experience during the healing period. These include:

• Minor Discomfort –
  Most patients report feeling some discomfort after getting their permanent or temporary bridges. There is usually a short period of discomfort followed by a return to normal. You may also experience some soreness, tenderness, or inflammation in the gums around the bridge during the healing time. This is part of the normal adjustment period and should improve within a few days.

If you have any pain or discomfort after surgery, we recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. A cold compress can also be used to reduce swelling. With proper dental care, the discomfort and swelling should be gone within a week, and the patient can resume eating their normal diet. It is important to brush and floss regularly to keep the area clean and free of bacteria. The patient should also see their dentist for advice, regular checkups, and cleanings. In the meantime, you should also avoid eating hard and sticky foods that can damage your bridge.

• Increased Tooth Sensitivity –
  You may also notice that your natural teeth, especially the abutment teeth, become more sensitive to heat and cold. This is normal and should improve in the weeks after surgery. Until then, avoid eating or drinking anything extremely hot or cold.
  
  
• Bruising and Bleeding
  – If you have implant-supported bridges, you may also experience some bruising or bleeding after the procedure. This is normal and will resolve on its own within a few days. Apply pressure to the area and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist.

• Infection –
  Although it is rare, the infection can occur after a dental bridge procedure. Symptoms of infection include severe pain, swelling, redness, and fever. In the event that you experience any of these symptoms, please consult an experienced dentist immediately.

• Allergic Reaction –
  In rare cases, patients may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in the dental bridge treatment. Allergic symptoms include gum irritation, swelling, and redness where the bridge was placed.

Patients should also be aware that they may need to have the dental bridge replaced after a few years, even if they don’t have a temporary bridge. This is because the bones and gums around the bridge can change over time. 

In order for your dental bridges to last, you need to take care of your it and develop a good oral hygiene routine just like you would for your natural teeth. These will not only affect the success of the dental procedure but also maintain the longevity of your bridges. If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help you through every step of the process!

Is Eating Difficult With A Dental Bridge?

If you have dental bridges, you may have to change your diet temporarily. This is because the bridges can make it hard to bite and chew food properly. In addition, the bridges can also make your natural teeth feel sensitive and sore, which can make it difficult to eat certain foods. If you are having trouble eating with your dental bridges, here are some aftercare tips to make it easier.

• Start With Soft Foods
  – While there are no strict food restrictions, if it’s hard for you to chew fibrous foods, you can start with soft foods first. You can try soups, yogurt, or mashed potatoes. Alternatively, you can cut your food into smaller pieces so that it is easier to eat. Avoid chewy or hard foods until you get used to the new sensation. If you have sensitive teeth, you should also stay away from hot or cold food items and chew slowly. Take care not to bite down too hard. 

• Use a Soft Toothbrush
  – We also recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles to brush your teeth before and after meals. Food can easily get stuck between your bridge and natural teeth, so it’s important to clean this area properly or be at risk of tooth decay.

• Consult Your Dentist –
  If you are still having trouble eating with your dental bridges, you can talk to your dentist. They can make the necessary adjustments to your bridges. In addition, they can give you custom-made flossers or toothpicks. These tools can help you reach the areas between your teeth that are difficult to floss.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to eat without any problems. However, if you find that your dental bridges are still causing you pain or difficulty when eating, talk to your dentist about it. They may need to adjust the fit of your bridges or recommend another type of restoration to help you achieve your smile goals.

Do Dental Bridges Change How You Speak?

You may notice that your speech is slightly different after getting dental bridges. This is because the bridges are resting on your gums, which can change the way your mouth moves. Your teeth also play a role in how you produce certain sounds. 

The good news is that this is a minor side effect and will usually go away after a week or two as you get used to the new bridge. In the meantime, try speaking slowly and deliberately until you get used to the new sensation. You can also practise reading out loud or practising specific sounds that you’re having trouble with. If the lisps persist, please let us know. We can make adjustments to ensure you’re comfortable with your new smile.

In some cases, you may need to adjust the way you say certain words. For example, if you get a bridge on your front teeth, you may need to learn how to say “the” correctly. If you have any pain or discomfort, let us know. We can help you find ways to manage it so that you can get back to your normal routine as soon as possible.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

The length of time it takes to recover from dental bridge surgery will vary depending on the individual. In most cases, however, people can expect to feel back to normal within a week or two. Of course, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care in order to have a speedy and complication-free recovery.

It’s also important to give your mouth time to adjust to the new bridge. This means avoiding hard or sticky foods for at least 24 hours after the procedure. You should also avoid using tobacco products, as they can cause irritation and inflammation. This can lead to a lengthy recovery period.

Gum disease can also cause your dental bridge to fail. Practising good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly will help prevent gum disease and achieve a smooth recovery.  

Final Thoughts

Dental bridges usually have a straightforward recovery process. Usually, you will be able to eat and speak normally within a few days. Do not hesitate to contact your dentist if you experience any pain or discomfort. With proper care, you can enjoy healthy teeth for many years.

If you’re ready to get dental bridges or would like to learn more about the procedure, get in touch with Byford Smiles today! Our dental team can answer all your questions and address any concerns about the treatment. Contact our clinic or book an appointment online.