Dental Bridges - Frequently Asked Questions

• Will It Be Difficult to Eat With a Dental Bridge?
• Will the Dental Bridge Change How I Speak?
• How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
• How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?
• How Do I Care for My Bridges?
• Procedure for Dental Bridges treatment
• Recovery expectations
• Postcare instructions for Dental Bridges
• Care for Dental Bridges

Will It Be Difficult to Eat With a Dental Bridge?

Replacing missing teeth should actually make eating easier. Until you become accustomed to the bridge, eat soft foods that have been cut into small pieces.

Will the Dental Bridge Change How I Speak?

It can be difficult to speak clearly when teeth are missing in the front or anterior areas. Wearing a dental bridge with the anterior teeth in their proper relationship will help you speak properly.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

The life span of a crown is depend on the amount of "wear and tear" the bridge is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits. Dental bridges can last 5 to 7 years and even longer. With good oral hygiene and regular prophylaxis, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.

How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

The cost of dental bridges varies depending on the type of bridge selected.

How Do I Care for My Bridges?

It is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong as the success of the bridge (depending on the type selected) depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule will help diagnose problems at an early stage when treatment has a better prognosis. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important

Procedure for Dental Bridge Treatment

The course of treatment described here is for traditional bridges, one of several options available at our dental clinic. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

1. First evaluation and bridge tooth preparation
   • Local anesthesia is first adminstered at the region of bridge tooth preparation
   • The natural teeth adjacent to the missing gap is reshaped to receive the dental bridge
   • Records are taken and approved with the patient to determine the color, bite, length and shape of the bridge
   • An impression is taken for a replica model of the teeth
   • This model is sent to a lab where the individualized bridge is fabricated
   • A temporary bridge is placed on whilst the permanent bridge is made
2. Fitting of bridge on delivery
   • The temporary bridge is removed
   • The permanent bridge is fitted and cemented into place on the teeth
   • A quality assurance check is done for any re-adjustments or re-works of the dental bridge
3. Care of bridge
   • Brush and floss the bridge as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist

Recovery Expectations

Both the preparation and placement of the temporary bridge as well as the bonding of the permanent bridge may cause some minor tenderness in the area. Some individuals may experience sensitivity in teeth. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over a few days to weeks.

Replacing missing teeth should actually make eating easier but until you become accustomed to the bridge, eat soft foods that have been cut into small pieces.

Postcare Instructions for Dental Bridges

It is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong as the success of the bridge. The bridge depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth.

1. Avoid chewing on or eating hard foods on the restorations for 24 hours from the time they were cemented
2. To help with discomfort or swelling rinse your mouth 3xd with warm salt water. (1tsp. of salt in 8oz of water)
3. Keep crown area clean to maintain tissue compatibility (the contour of the prosthesis must allow the surrounding tissue to conform to a natural, healthy position)
4. Some sensitivity in teeth may be experienced by certain patients. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over a few days to weeks. If teeth are sensitive :
   • Avoid hot, cold or acidic food and beverages
   • Pain medication be taken as directed as long as there is no medical contradiction based upon your medical history
   • Use flouride rinse and toothpaste for sensivity teeth
   • Clean teeth properly

Care for Dental Bridges

1. Dental bridges require the same regular and consistent home and professional dental care, as your natural teeth to prevent decay at the tooth-dental crown junction. To provide optimum longevity for your restorations, please follow the home care tips below:
2. Brush after eating and before bedtime around the bridge with a soft toothbrush, especially where the bridge meets the gum line. At the gum line harmful bacteria can be harbored to cause decay and gum disease.
3. Floss at least once to twice a day. Use the proxy brush or floss threader to remove plaque under and around these areas to maintain good oral hygiene. Buildup of food debris and plaque on your teeth and gums can become infected.
4. Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes
5. Be careful about chewing toffees, gum, grainy rolls and tough food in this area
6. See your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings

Source from http://www.webmd.com

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