Dental » Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges

 

Summary

Dental Bridges hold a false tooth in place, essentially bridging the gap where there was a missing tooth. Two crowns are placed, one on the tooth on either side of the gap. Then, the false tooth goes on the bridge in the middle.

Reasons to get a dental bridge:

     •          Tooth loss because of disease

     •          Tooth loss because of decay

     •          Tooth loss because of injury

     •          To maintain optimal function for eating and speaking

Length of the procedure: 2 dental office visits

Hospital Stay: Dental bridges are placed in an outpatient procedure

Recovery before traveling home: Patients seeking a dental bridge through medical tourism can return home in 3 weeks or sooner if they wish to make two trips.

Travel Tip: This procedure requires more than one procedure. You can stay the length of time between both procedures, which is typically 2 to 3 weeks or you can go home and return for your second procedure.

Procedure Details

The procedure will begin the administration of a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated. The dentist will remove any decay or damage from the spot being treated. The teeth adjacent to the missing tooth will be prepared or shaped so they can accommodate the crown that will be placed over them for the dental bridge.

Once the teeth have been prepared an impression will be made using dental putty. This impression is the mold that the dental laboratory will use to make the bridge, false tooth and crowns. After the mold is taken the dentist will place a temporary dental bridge in your mouth to protect your teeth and gums.

When your permanent dental bridge comes in from the dental laboratory you will return for your second procedure. The dentist will remove the temporary dental bridge and check the fit on the permanent dental bridge. They will make any necessary changes to the natural teeth to accommodate the permanent dental bridge. Then, they will place the permanent dental bridge using dental cement.

After the Procedure

After your dental bridge is placed your mouth and teeth may feel strange for a few weeks. It is not uncommon for them to feel loose, sore, irritated or even misaligned at first. All of these symptoms should subside within 6 to 8 weeks.

Self care after dental bridge placement:

     •          Use a floss threader to floss a fixed bridge

     •          Keep dental bridge area very clean

     •          Take removable bridges out to clean area and bridge

     •          Avoid extremely cold or hot beverages

Results

It is very rare that the placement of a dental bridge is not successful. A dental bridge is very successful at preventing teeth from drifting out of place. It can also prevent bone loss. Dental bridges last about 10 years with good care. For a dental bridge to last a patient must be committed to good oral hygiene including flossing, brushing and rinsing at least twice daily.

Risks and Complications

As is with any procedure there are risks associated with getting dental bridge. The following is a list of the most common risks and complications:

     •          Reaction to anesthetic or medication

     •          Bleeding

     •          Structural injury or damage near implant site

     •          Tooth injury or damage near implant site

     •          Nerve damage

     •          Weakening of the natural teeth

     •          Breakage of the natural teeth

     •          Death of the natural teeth

     •          Loosening of the cap

     •          Loosening of the bridge

     •          Hot cold sensitivity

     •          Inflammation of the gums

    

Contact your physician if any of the following occur:

     •          Bleeding of gums

     •          Gum pain

     •          Sharp pain

     •          Swelling is severe or persistent

     •          Fever that is 100.4 degrees or higher

     •          Chills

     •          Sensitivity to food is severe

     •          Chewing difficulty

     •          Crown or bridge comes loose

     •          Damage or injury to mouth