What To Expect After Getting a Tooth Bridge
According to the ADA, most adults have at least one missing tooth. Most dental experts recommend replacing lost teeth as soon as possible to improve your bite function and smile and protect your oral health.
Dental bridges are a cost-effective yet straightforward option when considering tooth replacement treatments, especially if you’re missing several teeth adjacent to each other. You may wonder what the procedure entails and what to expect after the treatment. Keep reading to learn.
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is a dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth. The bridge consists of artificial teeth that mimic your natural teeth’ shape, color, and size. A bridge is supported by dental crowns or frameworks attached to neighboring natural teeth. You can also anchor a bridge with dental implants fixed in the jawbone.
The bridge fills in gaps left by missing teeth, giving you a full set of teeth. Unlike dentures, a tooth bridge is fixed, meaning only your dentist can remove it. A well-maintained bridge can last for more than 15 years.
It’s worth noting that not all patients are eligible for dental bridges. Therefore, if you’re considering a dental bridge in Philadelphia, PA, you should book a consultation with our dentist. Our dentist will review your condition and needs to determine whether you’re eligible for the procedure.
Benefits of getting a dental bridge
After getting your dental bridge, below are some of the benefits that you’ll enjoy:
- Improved smile: One of the key reasons for getting a bridge is to improve your appearance. A bridge fills the gaps left by missing teeth, giving you a youthful and beautiful smile.
- Enhanced bite function: While a dental bridge doesn’t function 100% like your natural teeth, it fills in teeth gaps, making it easier and more comfortable to eat and chew food. Be careful about chewing hard items, as they can damage the bridge.
- Improved speech: Losing front teeth can affect your speech and cause difficulty pronouncing certain words. Filling the gaps with a bridge closes the gaps, restoring your ability to speak normally.
- Enhanced facial muscles: Missing teeth can cause facial muscles to collapse, leading to facial sagging, wrinkles, and premature aging. Replacing lost teeth with bridges lifts your facial muscles and gives you a youthful and full smile.
What to expect after getting a dental bridge
A bridge may feel weird if you have been living with teeth gaps for a while. Your bite and speech might also feel different. The tongue isn’t familiar with the bridge. Typically, it takes a few days to adjust to your new bridge fully. Practice chewing and speaking to adjust quickly. After about two weeks, the bridge should feel like a part of your mouth, and you should be able to chew and speak naturally.
Some patients also mention minor sensitivity, swelling, and soreness after getting a bridge. Fortunately, these effects only last a few days. Below are several aftercare tips for faster recovery and caring for your new bridge:
- Take medication as prescribed by the dentist.
- Eat a soft diet like eggs, mashed potatoes, and yogurt for the next few hours. Avoid hot and spicy items, as they can increase your discomfort.
- Brush and floss daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, or consider an electric brush. Be sure to floss under the bridge to prevent plaque that can lead to tooth decay on the nearby teeth.
- Avoid hard and chewy items like ice, caramel, and nuts, as they can cause the bridge to break or dislodge. You should also avoid biting your nails or the tops of pens.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to reduce sensitivity.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Limit sugary and acidic items as they can encourage tooth decay and gum disease around the bridge.
- Eat healthier and always keep hydrated.
- Schedule routine dental cleanings and check-ups.
Schedule an appointment today.
Are you ready to enhance your bite function and smile with dental bridges in Philadelphia, PA? Contact Elegance in Dentistry for more information.