Do you need to determine whether a dental bridge is suitable for you? If you have missing teeth that are severely damaged and cannot be fixed, a dental bridge is among the options for replacement. Although there are both advantages and disadvantages to bridges compared to alternatives like dental implants, comprehending what a bridge is and how it functions is essential to aid your decision-making process.
What is Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge at Family Dental Care in Crestwood is a synthetic tooth or set of teeth that connect to existing natural teeth or dental implants.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Here are the benefits of choosing
dental bridges near you as opposed to other options:
Dental bridges are more cost-effective than implants since they require less precision and are less invasive to install.
Unlike implants, bridges do not require bone grafting, a surgical procedure to strengthen the jaw bone.
Bridges are often preferred over dentures by dentists, especially if the patient has healthy teeth that can act as anchors for the bridge.
Bridges are faster to install than other options, such as implants, especially since they do not require bone grafting.
Cons of Dental Bridges
When compared to other teeth replacement options, bridges have certain drawbacks. Traditional bridges necessitate placing crowns on perfectly healthy teeth. This means that the healthy teeth on either side of the bridge must be filed down and capped, leading to the loss of some healthy tooth enamel, which raises the risk of permanent damage to already healthy teeth.
Maryland bridges are not very durable and can cause harm to existing teeth. Since Maryland bridges require cementing metal to the back of the teeth, it can cause permanent damage to healthy teeth. Furthermore, these bridges are less resilient to pressure from chewing than other bridge types.
Implant-supported bridges take longer and cost more. Since the implants must be placed first, the process can take a few months, especially if bone grafting is necessary to strengthen the jaw bone to support the implant.
Finally, bridges do not last as long as implants. Bridges are not intended to last a lifetime like implants are. Because of the damage they eventually cause to the anchor teeth, bridges may not be able to stay in place permanently.
Issues Associated with Dental Bridges
The following are issues commonly associated with dental bridges:
Poorly Fitting Bridge
It is essential to seek the medical assistance of a qualified dentist when getting dental bridges. You need to ensure the bridge is tailor-made to fit the gap left by the missing teeth. If the bridge doesn’t fit correctly, it can cause discomfort and gum irritation. With time, the false tooth may cause boils, gum recession, and infection around the bridge. It’s crucial to consult your
dentist near you at the earliest sign of irritation or any issue with the bridge’s fit to avoid the problem escalating.
Tooth Decay
Patients with bridges are prone to developing tooth decay on the tooth with the bridge’s crown. If tooth decay occurs, the tooth may no longer be strong enough to hold the bridge in place. To prevent this, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing once, and regularly visiting your
dentist in 60418 to ensure your bridge and surrounding teeth are in good condition.
Sensitivity After Getting a Bridge
it is common to experience sensitivity in the gums and teeth on the side of the bridge for a few weeks. This is because your mouth is adjusting to the crown and may be more sensitive. However, if sensitivity persists after two weeks, it’s essential to consult your dentist. The bridge may need to be fixed or suitable for you, resulting in complications.
Damaged bridge
Dental bridges are made of porcelain, metal, or a ceramic combination and are not indestructible. Patients need to eat with care, avoiding hard or sticky foods that can damage the bridge. Once the bridge is damaged, it needs to be replaced to prevent further oral problems, including gum disease and infection.
Cracked Tooth
Although rare, there is a risk of cracks occurring in the teeth that serve as the anchor for the bridge. Even the most minor cracks can cause multiple problems, including sensitivity and infection. Identifying a cracked tooth early is crucial to prevent further complications.
