If you have lost tooth because of a dental disease, accident, injury, or any other reason, you may be thinking about what are the different options that are available to you to replace the missing tooth.
A missing tooth may significantly reduce your confidence because of the unsightly gap between teeth when you smile.
Not only is this a cosmetic issue, but it can also have more serious consequences. Without all the teeth in their normal places, you can develop aches in your jaw and you may feel pain when you chew food.
One of the easiest and most effective solutions is to have a dental bridge, especially when you have other healthy teeth adjacent to the missing ones.
Here, we discuss what exactly dental bridges are and what to expect when you undergo the procedure at a dental clinic.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a device that is used to cover the spaces left by missing teeth. This replacement teeth option will fill the space and create a natural appearance. A dental bridge will help restore the aesthetic appearance as well as the functionality of your teeth.
There are different types of bridges that are used by dentists. Depending on your specific situation, your dentist will recommend the best option for you.
The most commonly used bridge option is the traditional bridge. This is a device which has one or more fake teeth and is held in place with the help of crowns fixed on top of adjacent teeth.
A traditional bridge is used when there are healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
The second option is the cantilever bridge which is used when the healthy tooth is present only on one side. If you have no teeth nearby that can support the bridge, you will have to opt for an implant supported bridge. This is a type of bridge that is held in place by implants there are fixed on either side. The bridge is supported with the help of crowns placed on top of the implants.
Dental bridge procedure
Placing the dental bridge does not involve surgery, so you will be awake during the procedure. However, you may request your dentist to provide mild sedation if you are really uneasy or nervous about the treatment.
The first step in the procedure involved numbing the area with the help of a local anaesthetic which is injected directly into the gum. A topical numbing jelly may also be used before the anaesthetic shots in order to reduce the pain of the shots themselves.
In order to prepare the dental bridge, your dentist will take imprints of your mouth after preparing the adjacent teeth.
This is to ensure that the bridge can be custom made and it will fit snugly over your gums. After the dental bridge is placed, you should feel comfortable, and therefore it is important to customise the preparation of the bridge.
If required, you may be fitted with temporary crowns while the bridge is being created in the laboratory. When the prepared bridge is fixed, the temporary crowns will be removed.
The bridge is then put in the correct place and the dentist will apply cement to hold it securely.
During the procedure, because of the local anaesthetic you are not likely to feel any pain at all.
Of course you will feel some pressure when the dentist is preparing the tooth or fixing the bridge. you will also be required to keep your mouth open for a significant amount of time, so it is likely that you feel some soreness or discomfort in the job after the procedure.
Your dentist may prescribe pain relievers which will take care of the problem. Placing an ice pack on your cheek where the jaw hurts can also help.
Recovery after the procedure
Recovery after placing the dental bridge is very quick. In fact, it may even be possible to eat normally on the same day itself. Most patients get used to the dental bridge very quickly. However, if you feel any pain you can check with your dentist again and get it adjusted.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
There are a number of benefits that dental bridges offer. It is a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure. It creates a very appealing appearance and gets rid of all the aesthetic problems caused by gaps in your teeth.
Not only that, it also completely brings back the functionality of your teeth. You will be able to eat normally.
Your speech will also get back to normal. Another benefit of dental bridge is that it will prevent the rest of your teeth from drifting out of position.
With the right kind of treatment, you will no longer have to suffer because of missing teeth. Dental bridges are really good because of the number of advantages that they have. If you have one or more teeth missing, go to a dental clinic and check about whether dental bridges are suitable for you.
Caring for a Dental Bridge
After getting a dental bridge, it is important that you care for it properly so it lasts you a long time. Proper dental care will also ensure that the remaining teeth are healthy and strong. Brush twice a day and floss once.
You can also use an antiseptic mouthwash every day in order to prevent gum diseases and tooth decay which may eventually need to tooth loss.
You can ask your dental hygienist or dentist to demonstrate the correct way to brush and floss your teeth.
Regular oral hygiene and dental visits once in 6 months can help maintain your teeth and gums in perfect health.
