You have many options to replace missing teeth, including dental bridges. At SmileCOS Dentistry, Andrew Miller, DDS and Francisco Darquea, DDS offer high-quality dental bridges that replace your missing teeth, allowing you to avoid embarrassment when talking or smiling and even help make chewing your favorite foods easier.Have you lost your tooth due to a medical condition, injury, or natural causes? Are you wondering what options you have to help restore your lost smile? A missing tooth will create an unpleasant gap that will mainly be a cosmetic issue. There are times when you will experience pain when chewing, discomfort in your jaw, or problems related to changes in your bite.
Having a dental bridge placed in your mouth will help solve this problem. At SmileCOS Dentistry, we understand how important a beautiful smile is and the importance of having good dental health. We have a team of skillful and experienced dentists who you can count on to restore your lost smile and enable you to eat your favorite foods without further delay.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge refers to an implant in place of the missing tooth. It provides support and stability to the teeth that can last several years. When the dental bridge breaks or loosens, it must be replaced with a new one.
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
A dental bridge uses traditional dental crowns to help provide cover to the exposed teeth portion. Regardless of the number of units it contains, the bridge is a single metal piece, porcelain, or a combination of the two.
A dental bridge only works when two adjacent teeth offer adequate support to the extra chewing force. The bridge functions to replace lost teeth and chewing surfaces. However, the bridge never replaces the missing tooth root. The dental bridge support will come from the neighboring retainer teeth.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The first step is assessing the need for restorative dental treatment to replace the tooth that is missing and determine if a dental bridge is the best option. On your first visit, the dentist will file the abutment teeth to the right shape and size for bridge placement. Shaped teeth impressions are made and taken to the laboratory for bridge construction. Prosthetics need to be closely matched in color to the neighboring teeth.
The dental bridge procedure will take place on the second visit immediately after the unique appliance is made and ready for placement. A local anesthetic will be applied at the start of the appointment to help increase the patient's comfort levels.
Patients must value follow-up and aftercare after the dental bridge procedure. This will help ensure the patient is aware and understands how to take good care of the dental bridge. Our dentists will always take time to explain dental bridge particulars, including seeking dental advice and the appropriate oral care.
Who Is a Good Dental Bridge Candidate?
You are an ideal dental bridge candidate if you have a missing tooth and your jawbone is healthy enough and able to support dental implants. To achieve the best results, you should have tooth decay or gum disease issues treated before a dental bridge implant.
How Long Will a Dental Bridge Last?
Dental bridges have different lifespans. There are dental bridges that have a lifespan of five to seven years. Others have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. A dental bridge can last a lifetime with the right maintenance and care.
How Long Will It Take A Dental Bridge To Settle?
You may experience changes in how the bite feels or soreness when you receive a dental bridge. You can also feel tooth sensitivity. However, the dental bridge adjustment period will not last more than two weeks. Avoid extremely cold or hot foods a few weeks after receiving a dental bridge. Use toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth during the adjustment period.
Are Dental Bridges Permanent?
Dental bridges are not permanent and must be replaced every five to 15 years, depending on how well they are maintained. Carrying out flossing and brushing will help make dental bridges last longer. The dental bridges can get loose or be damaged at times.
Are Dental Bridges Removable?
The bridges can be removable or fixed permanently. If you need affordable methods of replacing one or more teeth, getting a removable dental bridge is the right option.
Can a Dental Bridge Be Removed and Recemented?
Many people find dental bridges a perfect solution for their missing teeth. It can be removed and replaced with a new bridge whenever it starts to fail. Re-cementing will help fix the problem and restore your lost smile.
How to Clean a Dental Bridge
To ensure the dental bridge lasts longer, you must clean it frequently. The mouth will always need some time off from artificial appliances. You must remove the dental bridge every night whenever you are sleeping. This will allow the gums, mouth muscles, and neighboring teeth to have a break.
Dental bridges can harbor bacteria making it difficult for the mouth to be clean. Removing the dental bridge before you get to bed will enable your mouth to recuperate. Never store the dental bridge in a liquid overnight if it comprises metal components unless the dentist advises. Soaking dental bridges with metal components will make them rust.
Ensure you always stand the dental bridge over a sink with clean water or a hand towel. This will ensure the dental bridge does not break if it accidentally drops. Never clean the dental bridge using hot water. Hot water can warp materials making them fit incorrectly.
Frequently brush the dental bridge using a soft-bristled toothbrush and cool water. It will help clear any food debris and residue and fight bacteria. Never use household cleaners or toothpaste since they are abrasive and can destroy the appliance.
Avoid consuming hard foods; instead, eat more vegetables and fruits. Only use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. Ensure the bridge is always kept clean and free of any plaque. Get regular dental checkups to help detect any problem before it gets worse.
Schedule an Appointment for Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are an excellent option for you if you have a missing tooth. Contact SmileCOS Dentistry at (719) 394-3304 to schedule a consultation. We are available on a 24/7 basis, and our skillful and experienced dentists will offer you the best dental bridge for your missing tooth.
