A missing tooth can affect your confidence. But aside from its physical impact, it can also lead to dental anomalies. Thanks to dental bridges, you can now replace a tooth that has been lost due to injury, disease or other issues.

Although dental bridges are now a popular choice to replace missing teeth, there are still people who are hesitant about undergoing the procedures because of uncertainties.

If you’re one of them, here’s a comprehensive article about dental bridges that you should read to find answers to the questions that you may have.

Your Questions About Dental Bridges Answered!

1. What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges offer an option to restore missing teeth by bridging the gap–literally. It is composed of a replacement tooth in between two dental crowns which will serve as a substitute for the gap created by a missing tooth. On the other hand, the dental crowns are placed on both sides of the gap to support the dental bridge.

2. Why Should I Use Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are a good treatment to replace missing teeth. Fixed bridges for instance offer a strong and reliable replacement to real teeth, Aside from that, they look like natural teeth that it would be hard to notice you’re actually using replacements.

3. Do Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges are actually cost-effective options. With proper oral care and hygiene, plus regular checkups with your dentist, it can last a minimum of 5 years and up to 15 years. This could even be longer especially with strict adherence to good oral care which you’ll learn in the next sections of this article. Likewise, the lifespan of dental bridges may also be shortened with poor dental hygiene.

4. How Many Teeth Can Be Used with Dental Bridges?

Basically, as long as they can be connected to dental crowns, the number of teeth will vary. It could only be 2 but can also go higher than 4.

5. Is it Painful to Have Dental Bridges?

Contrary to what people may speculate, getting dental bridges isn’t painful. The procedure involves the use of a local anesthetic and most of the time, there’s no need to take a pain reliever or analgesic after the treatment.

6. Should I Choose Dental Bridges over Dental Implants?

If what you want is a simpler and faster treatment, dental bridges would be the better option. The procedure is simple and can be completed in a few weeks. Aside from that, it is also offers a more affordable option to fix problems with missing teeth

7. Do Dental Bridges Cause Discomfort?

If you are curious about how it feels to wear dental bridges, there’s actually no trouble wearing them. They don’t just look real, they also have the same feel as your natural teeth that you won’t experience discomfort in wearing them.

8. What are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

There are many benefits that come with dental bridges. Among these are as follows:

• Enables you to speak and chew properly
• Maintains the natural shape of your face
• Helps you achieve a beautiful smile
• Allows proper distribution of force when biting as they replace missing teeth
• Keeps teeth in their proper positions

9. Are there Different Types of Dental Bridges?

There are actually 3 main types of dental bridges.

• First are the Traditional bridges which are the most common types. They make use of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics. For this type, a crown is created for the tooth on either side of the missing tooth. A pontic is placed in between.

• Second are what we call as Cantilever bridges. This type of dental bridge is not very common and is intended for cases when adjacent teeth can only be found on just one side of the missing tooth or teeth.

• Third are the Maryland bonded dental bridges. These are also referred to as resin-bonded bridges. Usually, this type of dental bridge makes use of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums which are supported by a framework that can be made with metal or porcelain.

10. Why Does Dental Bridge Cost Vary?

Dental bridge costs take into consideration a range of variables. Some of these factors include the number of teeth that will be used to fill gaps, the type of material that will be used for the dental bridges, the complexity of the treatment involved, and other dental issues that may require additional treatment during the procedure.

11. Can I Get Dental Bridges after a Tooth Extraction?

Getting dental bridges after a tooth extraction is not the ideal practice. It is important to first let the swelling subside and for the jawbone to heal completely. Usually, it takes 8 to 12 weeks for complete healing to be achieved.

12. What Is the Process Involved in Getting Dental Bridges?

The dental bridges procedure involves the preparation of the abutment teeth during the initial visit. This is also when teeth recontouring is done. A portion of the enamel is removed to make room for the crown that will be affixed to it. This step is then followed by the creation of teeth impressions. A temporary bridge will be provided by the dentist for you to wear and protect the teeth and gums that have been exposed.

Your next visit will be for the checking and adjustment of the new dental bridge to ensure proper fit. It may require multiple visits to accurately get the fit of the framework and your bite. However, this depends on every individual.

13. Will I Have Difficulty in Eating after Getting Dental Bridges?

Many may wonder if dental bridges will affect how they eat and make it difficult. On the contrary, replacing missing teeth with dental bridges can help you eat with ease. But of course, initially you have to get accustomed to the dental bridges. You can do this by starting with soft foods or cutting your preferred foods into small pieces.

14. Can Food Get Stuck Under Dental Bridges?

There will be times when food particles get under dental bridges. When it happens, you have to clean the part effectively. Use of floss can help in cleaning it and prevent you from getting bad breath.

15. Will Dental Bridges Affect My Speech?

As with how dental bridges help you eat with greater ease, they can also help you speak clearly unlike when you still have missing teeth.

16. Is there a Chance for Dental Bridges to Fall Out?

Dental bridges can actually last a lifetime without falling out. However, this will depend on your oral hygiene. One common reason why they may fall out is the loss of support because of a damaged tooth or a dental disorder.

17. Why Do Some People Experience Tooth Hypersensitivity with Dental Bridges?

As previously mentioned, dental bridges should not cause discomfort. Tooth hypersensitivity occurs when the dental bridge sits on the tissue too hard. This has to do with proper fitting so to fix this, the dental bridge has to be removed in order to properly fit.

Another possible cause of discomfort under the dental bridge is tooth infection. In this case, a root canal or tooth extraction may be prescribed.

18. Can Dental Bridge Cause Bad Breath?

People who notice bad smell from their mouth after getting a dental bridge may be dealing with bacteria within it. Although there is a specific smell from the dental bridge after the procedure, this is different from the bad smell from the mouth. This could be caused by the food that collected at the gum line and crown wherein bacteria formed afterwards.

19. How Can I Prevent a Bad Smell?

Poor oral hygiene is a common culprit for bad smell after getting dental bridges. This could be avoided if the gum line is properly cleaned and the mouth is flossed and rinsed after every meal. Of course, it is also important to regularly visit your dentist for teeth cleaning and checkups.
20. How Can I Prevent Damage to My Dental Bridge?
Again, proper care is key to prolonging the lifespan of your dental bridge. You can also use dental care tools that can maintain your oral hygiene without affecting the quality of your dental bridge.

Dentists also advise against the consumption of foods that are hard to chew like ice, raw vegetables and hard candies. Sticky foods like gums should also be avoided. These are the types of foods that can damage dental bridges.

Dental bridges are great alternatives to replace missing teeth, restore the proper functioning of your mouth–as well as your confidence, too!

Asian Sun Dental Clinic Manila is a dental clinic in Quezon City that offers competent services for your dental bridges requirements. Schedule an appointment now so our dental professionals can assess you.

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