Dental bridges involve the use of artificial teeth to replace missing teeth and restore one’s natural smile. Aside from the aesthetic benefits, bridges also help improve your dental health. However, dental bridges can cause pain after the procedure. In this blog post, Byford Smiles will explore the factors that can cause pain and sensitivity after getting a dental bridge. We will also discuss how to reduce the risk of experiencing these symptoms.
Is Getting Dental Bridges Painful?
The short answer is no. Having bridges installed is not painful. However, you may experience some discomfort and sensitivity after the dental bridge treatment. Preparing your teeth for dental bridges can also be quite painful. This is because it involves drilling into the neighbouring teeth on either side of the space in order to prepare them for artificial teeth.
The local anesthesia used during the procedure can also cause some discomfort. Additionally, your gums may be sore where the bridge was placed. Your teeth may also be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Finally, the recovery process can be painful as the gums and teeth adjust to your new artificial teeth.
What Can Cause Pain With Dental Bridges?
Several things can cause pain after a dental bridge procedure:
- The adjacent teeth that support the bridge are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel. This can make your natural teeth sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
- The most common is when a temporary bridge is first put in, and your mouth is adjusting to it. This can cause some soreness and discomfort, but it should go away within a few days.
- If traditional bridges are not fitted properly, it can cause the teeth to shift and rub against each other, which can be very painful. Loose bridges can also cause gum and tooth damage.
- The gums around the bridge may be sore for a few days after the procedure. Ill-fitting devices, even temporary bridges, can rub against the gums, which can cause irritation and inflammation. This can often be remedied by simply trimming the bridge so that it no longer rubs against the gums.
- If you are allergic to metal, you may experience pain and swelling at the site of the bridge. Porcelain is a great option for patients with a metal allergy. We also recommend consulting your dentist to find an alternative material.
- If you have a history of gum disease or have poor gum health, you may be more likely to experience pain after the procedure. This is because the gums are already inflamed and sensitive. However, your dentist can prescribe medication to help control the pain.
In general, traditional bridges are not painful, but if you have concerns, be sure to talk to your dentist. They can help you determine if a dental bridge is the right dental treatment for you.
Can You Expect Tooth Sensitivity After the Procedure?
Tooth sensitivity is a common complication after a dental bridge procedure. However, it is usually not a permanent condition and will go away after some time. If you experience tooth sensitivity after your procedure, there are a few things you can do to help ease the discomfort.
First, avoid eating or drinking anything hot or cold for the first 24 hours after your procedure. This will help to avoid irritating the newly exposed tooth nerves.
You can also try using a desensitising toothpaste, which is available over the counter at most pharmacies. These kinds of toothpaste work by filling in the tiny pores in your teeth that can cause sensitivity.
If your tooth sensitivity persists for more than a few weeks, or if it is severe, you should contact your dentist. They may recommend a different dental procedure to address the root of the problem.
How Can You Avoid Pain After Getting Dental Bridges?
For many people, getting dental bridges is a necessary but painful process. The good news is that modern advancements in technology and techniques have made it possible to reduce the amount of pain associated with the dental bridge procedure. Here are a few things you can do to make sure your experience is as pain-free as possible:
- Talk to your dentist about your dental bridge options. There are different types of dental bridges, and your dentist can help you choose the treatment plan that will be the least painful for you.
- Take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter painkillers before the procedure. This will help to reduce any discomfort you may feel during the procedure.
- Use a numbing agent. Before the procedure begins, your dentist will numb the area around your mouth to help reduce the amount of pain you feel during the procedure.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions for care after the procedure. This includes taking care of your mouth and brushing and flossing regularly to keep your gums healthy and prevent infection and tooth decay. It’s also important to schedule regular visits with your dentist for dental cleanings. This will allow us to catch any problems early on and prevent them from becoming worse.
- Consider avoiding hard or crunchy foods. These foods can damage your bridge during the initial few days following the procedure. Staying away from these foods may also aid in the avoidance of gum irritation.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush. It can also help prevent pain caused by brushing. Using a mouthwash designed to help with sensitivity will help to soothe the gums and reduce pain.
Recovery times can vary, but if you do experience pain after getting dental bridges or even your temporary bridges, be sure to contact your dentist right away. They will be able to prescribe medication to help reduce the amount of discomfort you feel in the days following the procedure.
Final Thoughts
Dental bridges are one of the most popular tooth replacement options. They can give you back your beautiful smile and help you eat and speak normally again. While there is some risk of pain and sensitivity after the procedure, there are things you can do to avoid it. If you do experience pain, be sure to contact your dentist right away. With proper care, your dental bridges should last for many years.
Interested in getting dental bridges? Schedule an appointment with Byford Smiles today! Our experienced team can help you find the right type of bridge to address your concerns and can provide you with high-quality dental care. Book a consultation online or by calling our clinic at 08 9532 0247.
FAQs
Dental bridges can give you a perfect smile. Bridges fill in the gaps between teeth and give you a complete and natural-looking smile. They can also help to improve your chewing function. Tooth loss can make it difficult to chew your food properly. Dental bridges can help to restore your chewing function so that you can eat all of the foods that you love.
Bridges can also help to improve your speaking ability. If you have missing teeth, then it can be difficult to speak clearly. Lastly, dental bridges can help to protect your remaining teeth by keeping them in place and preventing them from becoming loose or shifting.
There are four main types of dental bridges. Fixed or permanent bridges, also known as traditional bridges, are made up of two crowns that are placed on the nearby teeth. The false tooth in between is then attached to the crowns. This type of dental bridge is cemented into place and can only be removed by a dentist.
Removable bridges, on the other hand, are replacement teeth attached to a gum-coloured base. The base is then held in place by metal clasps that attach to the natural teeth.
Cantilever bridges are one of the less common types of dental bridges. They are made up of false teeth that are attached to only one side of the mouth. The other side is then held in place by a dental crown that is cemented to the natural tooth on that side.
Lastly, Maryland bridges, known as resin-bonded bridges or adhesive bridges, are artificial teeth attached to metal bands that are bonded to the back of the natural teeth on either side.
The cost of dental bridges will vary depending on the type of bridge being used, the materials used, and the number of teeth that need to be replaced. Generally speaking, traditional bridges tend to be the most expensive option, while Maryland bridges and implant-supported bridges are typically less expensive. In general, bridges can cost anywhere between $500 to $5,000.
The cost of dental bridges can vary depending on the type of bridge you choose, the materials used, and the complexity of your procedure. In general, however, dental bridges typically cost between $500 and $5,000.
