3 Common Questions About Dental Bridges

Posted on: 15 May 2019

Do you have a missing tooth that needs to be permanently replaced? If so, you may be considering an implant, partial dentures, or a dental bridge. Here are some questions you may have about dental bridges to determine if they are the right tooth replacement method for you.

How Are Dental Bridges Manufactured And Installed?

The process of creating a dental bridges requires that an impression is taken of the area of your mouth where you're missing teeth. This is done by biting on a dental mold, which identifies the exact placement of your teeth. This mold is then taken to a dental lab, which is where a technician will create a dental bridge that is a natural fit for your mouth.

Your dentist will need to remove parts of the healthy teeth that surround the missing teeth. While this may seem a bit counterintuitive to what you're trying to do to save a missing tooth, it's actually required in order to fit supporting dental crowns onto the teeth.

How Can You Tell If You're A Great Candidate For A Dental Bridge?

If you want to move forward with getting a dental bridge, be aware that you must have those healthy teeth that can support the bridge. Having healthy teeth means that they are capable of supporting the bridge and the pressure that is put on it when eating. It doesn't mean that the teeth need to be completely free of problems. If you have existing cavities in those surrounding teeth, know that you can still get a dental bridge. The dentist will make sure that the decay has been removed, and the dental crown that goes over the tooth will act as a protective barrier.

What Happens After A Dental Bridge Is Installed?

It's common for the area of your mouth to feel sore immediately after the procedure of having the dental bridge installed. You may also experience increased sensitivity and other mild discomfort. However, that should all go away within a few days. If you somehow got an infection during the procedure, you will be prescribed an antibiotic by your dentist to help get rid of it. Expect the bridge to feel odd those first few days after it is installed. You'll eventually adjust to the sensation of a dental bridge and not even think of it after a while.

Have more questions about dental bridges? Reach out to a local dentist for their help.

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Providing Children With Dental Knowledge

When my three children were young, they were all excited to go to the dentist. The dentist's office was great fun with a large fish tank and a variety of puzzle toys in the waiting room. I liked the pediatric dental office so much that I jumped at the chance when I was offered a receptionist job. Many of the children who came to see the dentist were not nearly as happy as my children. Most kids were scared and anxious, and I learned fairly quickly that the children were worried because they had no idea what to expect. The dentist at the office provided me with a set of dental tools that I could show to the children. I explained how each of the devices worked. This eased the fears, and I started this blog so parents could share dental information with their children before dental visits.