Dental Bridges - Spring Hill, TN

How to Care for Your Dental Bridge

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Essential Dental Bridge Maintenance Tips

Dental bridges are a reliable option for replacing missing teeth, enhancing your smile, and promoting oral health. Like any dental restoration, they require dedicated care and maintenance to ensure they remain functional and last a long time.

Our Spring Hill, TN dentist is committed to helping your dental bridge endure for years. We’ve put together a guide to help you understand how to properly care for your dental bridge. Call 931-486-0700 to learn more.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

When it comes to maintaining your new dental bridge, here are some crucial tips to remember:

Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to cleaning under and around your bridge. Use floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth. A floss threader or super floss is useful for cleaning beneath the bridge.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Make regular visits to our dentist in Spring Hill, TN for examinations and professional cleanings. This helps detect any issues early and keeps your bridge and surrounding teeth in good condition.
Watch What You Eat: Avoid sticky or hard foods that can damage your bridge. Limit foods like hard candy, caramel, and nuts.
Use Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help decrease bacteria in your mouth, reducing the risk of gum disease and decay.
Protect Your Teeth: If you grind or clench your teeth, consult our dentist about using a night guard to safeguard your natural teeth and the bridge.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Both can contribute to gum disease, which may weaken the support (teeth or implants) for your bridge.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet provides essential nutrients for healthy gums and supports the teeth holding the bridge.
Check for Looseness: If your bridge feels loose or causes discomfort, visit our dentist immediately. Do not attempt to adjust or repair it yourself.
Fluoride Treatment: Based on your cavity risk, our dentist might suggest using a fluoride gel or mouth rinse.
Antibacterial Gel: In some cases, our dentist may recommend an antibacterial gel under the bridge to minimize bacteria and food buildup.

Signs of Wear and Tear

Regularly checking your dental bridges is important to catch signs of wear and tear early. Common signs that your dental bridge might need attention include:

Loose or shifting bridge: If your dental bridge feels unstable or moves when you bite or chew, it might mean the cement holding it has worn off or there’s an issue with the teeth or implants underneath.
Discomfort or pain: Sensitivity, pain, or discomfort while eating or biting could indicate a problem with your dental bridge. It might be due to a poor fit, decay underneath, or gum inflammation.
Visible damage: Look for any visible damage to your dental bridge, such as cracks, chips, or fractures. Damaged areas can harbor bacteria and cause further issues if not addressed.
Gum inflammation: Redness, swelling, or bleeding around the gums near the dental bridge may signal gum disease or infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent further damage to your bridge and oral health.

Replacing Dental Bridges

While dental bridges are durable, they might eventually need replacement due to wear and tear or changes in your dental condition.

Consultation

Schedule an appointment with our Spring Hill, TN dentist to evaluate your current dental bridge and discuss any concerns. He will assess your oral health, examine the bridge, and determine if a replacement is needed.

Preparation

If replacement is advised, the dentist will prepare the supporting teeth or implants by removing the old bridge. In some cases, additional procedures, like root canal treatment or implant placement, might be necessary to ensure optimal support for the new bridge.

Impressions

Impressions of your teeth and surrounding area will be taken to create a custom dental bridge that matches your natural teeth in shape, size, and color. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication.

Temporary Bridge

While waiting for your permanent bridge to be made, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth and maintain aesthetics.

Final placement

Once the new bridge is ready, it will be tested for fit, appearance, and functionality. Our dentist will ensure that the bridge fits comfortably, aligns with your bite, and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Once everything is confirmed, the new bridge will be cemented or secured in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean under my dental bridge?

It’s crucial to clean under and around your dental bridge every day. Just like with natural teeth, bacteria and food particles can gather around the bridge, leading to gum disease or tooth decay in the adjacent teeth. Using specialized floss, such as super floss or a floss threader, can help you effectively clean these areas.

Can I use a regular toothbrush to clean my dental bridge?

Yes, a regular toothbrush can be used to clean your dental bridge. However, consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the bridge’s surface. Some people also find an electric toothbrush effective for maintaining oral hygiene with dental restorations.

Will my dental bridge stain if I consume coffee, tea, or red wine?

Dental bridges, particularly those made from porcelain, are more resistant to stains than natural teeth. However, the bonding agents or cement used to attach the bridge can discolor over time. It’s wise to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after consuming staining foods or beverages to reduce the risk.

Maintain Your Beautiful Smile for Years to Come with Dental Bridge Care

Proper maintenance and timely replacement of dental bridges are essential for maintaining oral health and preserving the longevity of your restoration. By staying vigilant and addressing any signs of wear and tear promptly, you can avoid further complications and ensure the success of your dental bridge. Remember to maintain good oral hygiene practices, visit our dental office regularly, and follow their recommendations for optimal bridge care.

Contact Dentistry by Design today by calling 931-486-0700 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a stunning smile. We look forward to seeing new and returning patients from Spring Hill and the surrounding areas of Bethesda, Thompson’s Station, and Jameson, TN.

Restore, Repair, Regain.

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