Dental Bridge Recovery and Aftercare Tips
Tooth loss limits oral functions, puts adjacent teeth at risk of collapsing, and can ultimately compromise the structure of the mouth and jaw. For all these reasons, restorative dentistry treatment is vital after a patient loses one or more teeth.
A dental bridge is one of the most common treatments for tooth loss. Dental bridges fill in gaps left by missing teeth and provide a strong, attractive, and durable dental replacement that restores oral functions.
Dental bridge treatment should not cause any significant pain or require a lengthy recovery period. However, patients may notice that it takes them some time to adjust to their new dental restoration.
Dr. Bruce J. Wilderman discusses dental bridge recovery and aftercare tips with our Philadelphia, PA patients so that they go home from treatment knowing the best way to care for their teeth and restoration following dental bridge placement.
Dental Bridge Recovery
Prior to placing a dental bridge, Dr. Wilderman will take molds of the teeth so that the bridge can be customized to the specifics of the patient.
The dental bridge is meant to fit comfortably and function just like the natural teeth. Still, most patients go through a short adjustment period. It can take a week or two to get used to the way the bite feels with the dental bridge in place.
If the bite feels “off” beyond the normal adjustment period, patients should report their discomfort to Dr. Wilderman so that any necessary adjustments can be made.
While patients adjust to the dental bridge, they may also experience heightened tooth sensitivity. It is normal to be especially sensitive to hot and cold temperatures for the first several days after a bridge has been placed.
Patients can limit exposure to extreme temperatures to minimize sensitivity. A toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can also be beneficial in the days following dental bridge treatment.
Dental Bridge Aftercare
A dental bridge will feel, look, and function just like the natural teeth. Unfortunately, even though dental bridges are fabricated using strong materials, they can also become damaged just like the natural teeth.
These aftercare instructions can help patients prolong the lifespan of their dental bridge:
- Continue to brush and floss the teeth regularly, including the area around the dental bridge
- Avoid eating hard, sticky foods that could damage or pull at the dental bridge
- Consider adding a fluoride rinse to your oral hygiene routine to minimize the risk of decay or infection
- Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings
- Use a mouth guard to protect the teeth and dental bridge when participating in sports and other physical activities
In short, if patients care for their dental bridge like their natural teeth, and avoid exposing it to any type of force that could damage their natural teeth, they should be able to enjoy the benefits of their restoration for many years to come.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about dental bridge treatment, or the oral care practices that can prolong the lifespan of your dental restoration, contact us at your earliest convenience. Dr. Bruce J. Wilderman can answer any questions you may have about our dental services. Call (215) 340-1199 to schedule an appointment.