What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, which are anchored to neighboring natural teeth or dental implants.
There’re two main types:
Removable bridges can be taken out and cleaned every day. They are secured in place with metal clasps or precision attachments.
When Do I Need Dental Bridges?
- Missing teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Shifting teeth
- Speech problems
- Jaw pain or TMJ issues
- Unstable or loose teeth
- Bone loss
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
When you get a dental bridge, our Porterville, CA dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure.
You may experience some slight discomfort or sensitivity, especially after the anesthesia wears off or during the process of preparing the neighboring teeth for the bridge. However, any discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How Do I Care for a Dental Bridge?
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day to remove plaque and food debris from around the bridge.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent gum disease.
- Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings to make sure the bridge remains in good condition.
Frequently asked questions
How long do dental bridges typically last?
Well-maintained dental bridges typically last 10-15 years or longer, with some lasting 20+ years. Longevity depends on factors like oral hygiene quality, the health of supporting teeth, bite forces, grinding habits, and the bridge material used. Porcelain fused to metal bridges tend to be very durable, while all-ceramic bridges offer superior aesthetics but may have slightly shorter lifespans in high-stress areas. Regular dental checkups, excellent daily cleaning, avoiding hard foods, and addressing teeth grinding can significantly extend your bridge’s lifespan.
What are the advantages of bridges compared to partial dentures or dental implants?
Bridges offer several advantages: they’re permanently fixed in place so there’s no risk of slipping or removal embarrassment, they restore full chewing function more effectively than removable partials, and treatment time is typically shorter than implants since no surgical healing period is required. However, bridges do require modifying adjacent healthy teeth for support, unlike dental implants which are independent. Our Porterville dentist will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your specific situation, bone health, and personal preferences.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge, or are there food restrictions?
Once you adjust to your new bridge (usually within a few days), you can eat most foods normally. However, some precautions help protect your investment: avoid very hard foods like ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels that could crack the restoration; cut sticky foods like caramel that might pull on the bridge; and slice tough foods like corn on the cob or apples rather than biting into them directly. Most patients find they can enjoy their favorite foods with minor modifications to their eating technique.
How do I clean under my dental bridge effectively?
Cleaning under bridges requires special techniques since traditional floss can’t pass between the connected crowns. Use floss threaders or super floss with a stiff end to thread under the pontic (artificial tooth), then gently clean back and forth. Water flossers are excellent for flushing debris from hard-to-reach areas. Bridge cleaners with tiny brushes can also help remove plaque. The key is daily cleaning under the bridge to prevent decay in the supporting teeth and gum disease, which are the most common reasons bridges fail.
What happens if one of the teeth supporting my bridge develops problems?
If a supporting tooth develops decay, a large cavity, or needs a root canal, the entire bridge typically must be removed to treat the problem, then either repaired or replaced. This is why maintaining excellent oral hygiene around bridge supports is crucial. In some cases, if caught early, minor issues can be addressed without bridge removal. If a supporting tooth is lost, the bridge will need replacement, potentially with a longer bridge involving more teeth or conversion to an implant-supported restoration. Regular checkups help catch problems early when treatment options are less invasive and more affordable.
