Dental Bridge Aftercare: Maintaining Your Investment
A single missing tooth or a row of missing teeth can detract from the appearance of your smile. More importantly, however, gaps and spaces can have a negative impact on your overall function and oral health.
At Davis Dental in Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Mark Davis uses dental bridges to complete your smile and preserve the health of your teeth and gums. Here, our team discusses dental bridge aftercare and how you can maintain your bridge for years to come.
A Quick Review of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges have been used to replace missing teeth for decades. This restoration can be crafted from a variety of materials, including metal, zirconia, ceramic, or porcelain-fused-to-metal.
A bridge is comprised of two dental crowns with artificial teeth in between them. The crowns are bonded onto the natural adjacent teeth and the prosthetic teeth “bridge” the gap in your smile. Generally, the dental bridge treatment process can be completed in just two office visits.
Initial Post-treatment Care
Immediately after the placement of your bridge, you may experience slight tenderness and sensitivity in the area. These side effects are typical and generally diminish after a few days. To ease any discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen.
Though the area may be tender, it is important to keep it clean. Brush and floss within your comfort level and use an antibacterial rinse to keep harmful bacteria at bay.
Tips to Maintain Your Dental Bridge
Once your bridge has been permanently bonded into place, you can enjoy a beautiful, functional smile. To keep your new restoration looking and feeling great for years to come, follow a few simple guidelines:
- Brush twice a day. It does not take long for plaque deposits and tartar to accumulate around the teeth and along the gum line. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. This will help remove irritants and keep oral bacteria at healthy levels. Avoid whitening pastes, as they can be too harsh and damage the bridge.
- Floss once daily. Your entire bridge is supported by the natural adjacent teeth. If they become compromised, you risk losing your restoration. Therefore, it is extremely important to care for them properly. Clean in between all of the natural teeth at least once a day. This will reduce the risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
- Clean underneath the bridge. You must clean underneath your bridge regularly. Once you have finished brushing and flossing, remove debris and flood particles in the space between your bridge and gums. To do this, use floss threaders, dental picks, or interproximal brushes. Ask your dentist or hygienist for product recommendations.
- Attend routine checkups. Regular exams and cleanings are essential for everyone. However, if you have a dental bridge or other type of restoration, these practices are even more important. Most patients benefit from visits twice a year. However, if you are susceptible to gum disease, decay, or other dental issues, your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments.
Contact Davis Dentistry Today
If you are considering a dental bridge or recently had one placed, proper maintenance can protect your smile and your investment. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, contact us online or give us a call at (480) 595-1300.