A dental bridge lives up to its name by acting as a bridge to fill the unsightly gaps in your mouth due to missing teeth, which could affect your bite and smile. This dental bridge is a crucial structure that contains one or more fake teeth. It acts as a substitute for the empty space caused by tooth loss due to injury or decay.
Thankfully due to modern technology, there are affordable dental bridges at your prosthodontist. This is a dentist whose specialty lies in the restoration or replacement of missing teeth. A dental bridge is an ideal solution when a crown is insufficient to fill the gaps of the missing teeth.
More Than Aesthetics
Getting your dental bridge is more than just the aesthetics. Although it is more visually appealing to have a charming smile, getting a dental bridge will help improve your bite. This can stop the pain that you may feel when you are eating, allowing you to chew properly.
On top of that, this bridge has the power to help enhance your speech. With missing teeth, your tongue is unable to roll correctly in your mouth, and the pockets of space may affect your intonation and pronunciation. With a dental bridge in place, you can speak eloquently once more.
Most of all, your dental bridge will offer support for your remaining teeth, along with your mouth structure. With spaces due to missing teeth, the rest of your healthy teeth may move towards the empty spot. As a result, this will affect your jaw structure and face shape. If you want to retain your face profile, it is best to have a dental bridge installed.
Dental Recommendation
You can only get a bridge after a thorough dental workup. Your dentist will check your teeth and gums. To get more details, he may recommend X-rays and CT scans to check the internal structure of your gums and jaw. Depending on the state of your teeth and gum area, you may need to get other procedures done before the bridge work begins. It is a prerequisite for your gums and remaining teeth to be healthy.
A dental bridge is an option when the crown or a root canal is no longer a proper fix because the gaps between your teeth are too big. There are several types of dental bridges that your dentist will recommend. Thankfully, there are various kinds of affordable dental bridges to accommodate your budget. The price will depend on the type and material of the bridge you choose. These different types are:
- Traditional bridge: This involves two abutments, aka crowns, anchoring the fake teeth. It is the most famous bridge that is easy to fix and remove.
- Cantilever bridge: This type involves one abutment to serve as support. The procedure is less invasive and intensive. The only drawback of this is since the abutment acts as a lever to the healthy teeth, it may cause damage to the area, including your jaw.
- Maryland bridge: This is the more conservative. It is even less invasive than the other two procedures. Your bridge will be hinged by metal or porcelain frameworks. It shall be attached to the back of the teeth on either side of the gaps. These bridges will help preserve your remaining teeth. However, they are less secure compared to other options.
- Implant-supported bridge: With this option, dental implants will be used as the anchors for your bridge. This is more invasive and expensive, but it offers the most security. You will need to get the implant embedded first before the bridge is placed.
The procedures you need to undergo will depend on your chosen bridge. The dentist will need to do preparatory work to get your teeth ready, so expect to visit your dental clinic several times until the job is complete. Your dentist will also brief you about what you can and cannot do. Don’t worry because your care provider will do everything to ensure you are comfortable during your procedures. Your pain will be managed with anesthesia during your time on the dental chair.
Management of Recovery Period
Your mouth will feel sore and tender when your dentist grinds down your teeth. It will also feel the same way after the bridge is put in place. Your gums may even bleed after, but it should subside in time. Invasive procedures, like implants, may also increase swelling. Your dentist may prescribe oral pain tablets and anti-inflammatory medications so you will feel comfortable after your procedure.
If the anesthesia method used during the procedure placed you under sedation, you might need someone to drive you home. Any person who has undergone general anesthesia may feel groggy and have reduced reflexes. It is best to have someone on standby, so there are no road mishaps.
Possible Complications
No procedure is fool-proof. Although your dentist will exercise best practices, some possible complications could crop up. Do keep in mind these are rare, but knowing this can happen will help ease any worries. Do keep in mind that for every problem, your care provider will readily assist with a solution such as adjustments and realignments. Complications to watch out for are:
- Bridge failure so it slips out of place
- Chewing issues because the bite does not fit right
- Extreme pain due to inflammation
- If you have a fever post-treatment, it could be a sign of infection showing deeper decay and gum problems
Final Word
Once your bridge is installed, it is vital to practice oral hygiene. Establish a daily routine that includes brushing your teeth and flossing. You must also see a dentist bi-annually so you can get your bridge checked and your teeth cleaned. When you are vigilant about oral care, you will be able to maintain your brilliant smile and interact confidently with people.
