During dental trauma, people often need this procedure. And as it effectively covers holes even on the front teeth, it is very requested among young and old. However, for some reason and sometimes, dental bridge problems occur. We hope you don’t mind us digging into the heart of the issue a little deeper.
Dental Bridge: A Serious Procedure for Experienced
First things first, bridges are actually implants attached to two crowns of the damaged teeth. If you need restorative dental bridge treatment in Palatine, IL, Clock Tower Dentistry has got you covered.
As the installation of dental bridges is a cosmetic procedure, people often forget that even after they have filled in the damage, dental visits are an important thing. Thus, during the filling of the teeth, the need to worry was replaced by self-confidence and a beautiful smile.
That void that the bridge fills in, acting as a false tooth, used to be a cause for concern: it affected our appearance and disturbed our speech and eating habits. By filling it in, we prevent the spread of various other problems, such as tooth drifting.
We know three types of dental bridges:
- The traditional bridge, where an expert places the crown on one of the two sides of the gap while inserting the artificial tooth (mostly made of porcelain) in the middle.
- Then we have a Maryland plastic replacement the dentist puts next to both sides of the natural tooth attached to metal wings.
- The third one is called Cantilever, and it’s similar to the traditional one. However, they mostly use this type as a replacement for front teeth. It’s made of metal and filled with porcelain. Unlike the traditional bridge, Maryland dental bridge does not require the replacement of crowns on the adjacent tooth.
Each type is for a specific problem. The traditional dental bridge is the most common one the doctors use due to its strength and longevity. However, if there is no room in the mouth, the Cantilever bridge type comes into play. A Maryland bridge is also a great option for front teeth because it stands next to the adjacent teeth utilizing a metal frame that attaches to the backside of the teeth so that it is not visible.
However, the dentist is not a miracle worker. And he cannot predict whether and for how long the procedure he performed will remain effective. So, let’s learn more about some common problems with dental bridges.
What Not to Overlook and Visit the Dentist Instead?
As we are of flesh and blood, mistakes and problems are our daily routine. That is why dentists, being oral health experts, advise people to come for regular check-ups. Routinely or after the first signs of discomfort when we drink cold and too hot beverages.
But since we are talking exclusively about the tooth bridge and the problems that affect them, let’s jump back to the topic. Namely, as the leading problem, an ill-fitted bridge needs an immediate solution.
So, your dentist was not skilled enough to measure and prepare a custom-made implant in detail? You will recognize this by the feeling of discomfort and dissatisfaction. But that’s not all. Over time, it can damage your gums, causing infection and gum recession.
Tooth decay is another common problem and often occurs on the tooth on which the crown stands. Remember that brushing your teeth must be thorough, and the use of floss after every wash is mandatory.
Sensitivity can occur, which in some cases lasts up to two weeks. Your gums are simply getting used to the “stranger” among them, so this is normal. However, if the condition persists for two weeks after the intervention, something is wrong.
The dentist will surely remind you that these implants are porcelain, metal, or ceramic. They are not indestructible, so from now on, you have to enjoy the meal a little longer and more carefully because you might damage the crown.
There may even be cracks in the teeth that serve as the basis for the tooth bridge. It doesn’t happen often. However, when you leave it untreated, it can become a place where the bacteria spreads and attacks your gums and teeth.
Solutions on Dental Bridge Problems From Dentists
What will the dentist tell you after each visit, no matter how old you are? Maintain regular hygiene of teeth, gums, and oral cavity. Brush your teeth twice a day, use dental floss once a day and use mouth rinse once a day as well, preferably in the evening.
Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and sugary foods and drinks, as well as stress. Every six months, visit your doctor for a routine check-up and cleaning. Even when you have done everything right and followed the rules, we all know how difficult a tooth implant can be to maintain.
That extra cleaning at the end of every night around the metal wings that hold your implant to other teeth is not enough. You need to clean your dental bridge well. Here are some tips.
If your bridge is removable, remove it daily and clean it thoroughly. Also, as strange as it may sound to you, you need to think about the safety of your bridge. You will achieve this if you stand over something soft, such as a towel, to avoid breaking if it falls off during cleaning.
Clean it with a soft brush and cold water. The toothpaste is out of the question unless your implant is attached and you brush it along with other teeth. The sides that attach to the tooth must remain smooth.
And what if prevention was not enough? In that case, consider all the signs we talked about that indicate a problem and schedule an appointment. Nothing is unsolvable. It’s just important not to delay.