Dental bridges

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between two adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. It consists of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) that are attached to dental crowns or abutments on either side of the gap.

When do we use bridges?

Bridges are typically recommended when one or more teeth are missing and there are healthy teeth adjacent to the gap that can support the bridge. They are used to "bridge" the gap created by missing teeth, restoring functionality, aesthetics, and preventing neighboring teeth from shifting out of place.

How do I know if I need a bridge?

You may need a bridge if you have one or more missing teeth and adjacent healthy teeth that can support the bridge. Signs you may need one include difficulty chewing, shifting of adjacent teeth, and aesthetic concerns about the gap. A dentist can assess your oral health and recommend a bridge if appropriate.

General procedure

The process of getting a dental bridge involves several steps: initial consultation, tooth preparation, impressions, temporary crown placement (if needed), bridge placement, and final adjustments. Your dentist will assess your oral health, prepare the adjacent teeth, take impressions, and place the bridge permanently after ensuring proper fit and function.

• Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing thoroughly to ensure your mouth is clean before the procedure.
• Fasting: Confirm your individual eating, drinking and medication instructions with the dental team before your appointment. Follow the instructions provided for your procedure and sedation plan.
• Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment for ease during the procedure.
• Bring a Friend: If you feel nervous, feel free to bring along a supportive companion who can also assist with transportation if needed

How long will the appointment be?

• First Appointment (Tooth Preparation and Impressions): This appointment can take around 1 to 2 hours. During this visit, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth (if necessary) by reshaping them and taking impressions (molds) of your teeth. A temporary crown may be placed while your bring is sent to the lab to be fabricated.
• Second Appointment (Placement): The second appointment can take around 1-2 hours. The dentist fits and adjusts the bridge to ensure a comfortable fit. They check your bite alignment, make any necessary adjustments, and then cement the bridge into place using dental cement. Finally, they perform checks to ensure the bridge looks and feels right, provide care instructions, and discuss what to expect during the healing process.

What does the procedure look like?

• Tooth Preparation: If the abutment teeth (adjacent to the gap) need reshaping to accommodate the bridge, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area before removing a thin layer of enamel from these teeth.
• Impressions: Once the abutment teeth are prepared, impressions (molds) of your teeth are taken. These impressions serve as a blueprint for the dental laboratory to fabricate your custom bridge.
• Temporary Bridge Placement: While your permanent bridge is being crafted, your dentist may place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your smile's aesthetics and function.
• Bridge Fabrication: A skilled dental technician at the laboratory fabricates your bridge using the impressions and specifications provided by your dentist. This process typically takes a couple of weeks.
• Bridge Placement: Once your permanent bridge is ready, you'll return to the dentist's office for its placement. Your dentist will ensure the bridge fits accurately and securely before bonding it in place using dental cement.
• Final Adjustments: After the bridge is cemented, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and bite alignment. They may also provide instructions for bridge care and maintenance.

Will it hurt?

The process of getting a dental bridge typically involves minimal discomfort, as it is performed under local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. During the procedure, you may feel some pressure or vibrations, but you should not experience sharp pain. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some mild soreness or discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Diet

A soft foods diet is recommended for the rest of today and tomorrow. Avoiding any sticky or chewy items, including gum and candy.

Daily oral hygiene

Do not floss around the bridge as the cement will continue to set in the next 24 hours. Flossing around the tooth could dislodge the bridge. Otherwise, you can brush these teeth as you would with other teeth.

Glue

You may feel excess glue around the bridge. We attempt to remove as much as possible during your appointment, but do not want to dislodge the bridge whilst it is still setting. This will continue to flake off over time and can be removed at your follow up or next cleaning appointment

Sensitivity

If the teeth were not previously root canaled, you may feel sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This should settle in the next 1-2 weeks.

Gums

The gums around your new bridge may be sensitive, you can rinse with a warm salt water to improve healing

Pain

You can use over-the-counter pain medication for slight discomfort and sensitivity. If pain or sensitivity increases or does not decrease please contact the office.

Bite

Bite may feel slightly different from before the bridge, this will settle over time. If after 2-3 days your bite still feels uneven or if you feel discomfort when chewing on the tooth, call the office.

Ongoing oral hygiene after the first 24 hours

You can brush as usual, but make sure to be gentle around the treated area. You must clean under the bridge daily, using floss threaders or a waterpik. Take care of your bridge by brushing, flossing, coming in for regular checkups and cleanings

Follow up

A follow-up visit is usually arranged for approximately one week; contact the office to confirm your appointment. At that time, your bite and any sensitivity will be checked. If you find that you need adjustments before this date, please give our office a call at (519)763-1488 and we are more than happy to move up your appointment.