If you are missing one or more teeth, dental bridges are a great method of tooth replacement. A dental bridge is a permanent oral appliance that literally bridges the gap in your smile. Your surrounding teeth support the bridge, which holds a prosthetic tooth in the gap. Patients love our dental bridges because they improve the appearance of their smile, support the shape of their face, and prevent teeth from shifting.
When you are missing one or more teeth, it throws off your bite pattern. This affects the way you chew and speak. This can also cause additional strain on your facial muscles and can lead to even more dental issues like worn-down teeth or jaw pain.
We want to help you avoid these dental concerns by providing timely solutions for tooth replacement, like a dental bridge. As your trusted restorative dentist in Westminster, MD, Dr. Bowersox can provide a customized dental bridge that replaces your missing teeth and revitalizes your dental health.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Here are some common questions regarding dental bridges:
What is the difference between a dental bridge and a dental implant?
A dental implant is surgically fused into your jawbone while a dental bridge only uses the exterior support of surrounding teeth to hold itself in place. While dental implants require less dietary restrictions than dental bridges, they also take a longer amount of time to heal because of the surgical component.
How should I care for my dental bridge?
You should brush and floss around your dental bridge to prevent any decay forming underneath the oral appliance. Dr. Bowersox can demonstrate how to care for your dental bridge after your dental bridge is in place. You’ll need to take extra care to floss underneath the bridge on a daily basis, as this is a common area that catches food and residue.
After getting a dental bridge, you may experience slight numbness in your mouth, gums, and tongue for a while. That’s because it takes time for the local anesthetic to stop working. For a few days to weeks after your surgery, you may also have some soreness, and your teeth may be more sensitive to cold and heat than usual.
Can food get stuck under a bridge?
Bridges are vulnerable to the negative effects of poor oral hygiene. If your bridge does not fit right, it can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth and lead to issues with your gums.
How long will my dental bridge last?
With good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to the dentist for preventative care, your dental bridge can last anywhere from 10-15 years, and sometimes longer. The best way to prolong the life of your dental bridge is to avoid sticky or tough-on-teeth foods that put additional strain on them over time.
How long does it take for a dental bridge to settle?
The average period of adjustment time for a patient after getting a bridge is two weeks. After your dentist places your bridge, we recommend staying away from extreme temperatures, such as very hot or cold foods.