What to Expect in a Dental Bridge Procedure
March 1, 2021

If you have a decayed tooth, a tooth injury, or missing teeth, a dental bridge in Morristown is an excellent treatment option worth considering. Unlike other dental or health procedures, getting a dental bridge isn’t very invasive and doesn’t require any surgery.

A dental bridge involves placing a “bridge” – an artificial tooth in the place of the missing teeth. A bridge is commonly made of metal, ceramic, porcelain, gold, or a metal base with ceramic or porcelain coating. Getting a dental bridge procedure is considered safe, but like any other procedure, it has its risks and complications.

Depending on your preferences, your dentist is likely to perform one of the following four dental bridge procedures:

  • Traditional bridges
  • Cantilever bridges
  • Maryland bridges
  • Implant-supported bridges

All these procedures are considered safe with minimal or no side effects. However, seek advice from your dentist on the best treatment procedure to take.

While not many dentists can perform these procedures, finding a qualified dentist in your area is relatively easy. If you’re looking for a professional dentist in Morristown, NJ, you can consult with our dental experts at Dental Care of Morristown.

Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?

Fortunately, getting a dental bridge is relatively easy and isn’t painful. Generally, a dental procedure is performed in a dental clinic or office. Since dental bridge procedures vary, we’ll only discuss a typical procedure of traditional and Cantilever dental bridges.

  1. Your dentist will give you a clear protective shield to cover your eyes.
  2. You’ll sit on the dentist’s chair in a reclining position.
  3. Your dentist will numb the area near the missing tooth. You may feel a sharp pinch when injected with a local aesthetic. If you’re afraid of the pain, you can request your dentist to use a painless topical aesthetic to numb the area before the injection.
  4. The dentist will reshape the teeth next to the gap so that they can fit the crowns perfectly.
  5. The dentist will make a rubber mold of the gap and the teeth around it. The dentist will then send the mold/impression to a lab to prepare a customised dental bridge and crown.
  6. The dentist will fix a temporary bridge over the missing tooth and the teeth around it.
  7. The dentist will schedule a 2nd appointment as you wait for the permanent bridge.
  8. The dentist will call you once the permanent bridge is ready. The temporary bridge will be replaced with permanent artificial teeth and crowns.
  9. The dentist will give you some tips on how to take care of the bridge and may schedule a check-up at a later date.

If you don’t have a good dentist in mind to perform a dental bridge, you can consult a qualified cosmetic dentist in Morristown, NJ, at Dental Care of Morristown.

Post Dental Bridge Procedure

The good news about getting a dental bridge is that you can go back to your normal routine as soon as the next day after the procedure. But make sure you consult your dentist on the same to avoid unnecessary complications.

Immediately after the procedure, your mouth may feel sore and tender – both on the 1st and 2nd appointment. The gums may feel tender and, in some cases, bleed. Luckily, the soreness doesn’t last long, and you will feel better within a few days.

Depending on the intensity of the procedure, the gums may take a few weeks to heal. You may also notice increased sensitivity to heat and cold a few days after the procedure. Immediately call or visit your dentist in case the symptoms worsen or persist longer than expected.

Also, seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following:

  • Bleeding
  • Mouth or tongue swelling
  • Deep pain in your teeth or gums
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Problems chewing or biting soft food

Benefits of a Dental Bridge

Once the procedure is done, you will enjoy the following benefits:

  • Excellent ability to speak clearly and confidently (especially if the bridge was performed on the front teeth)
  • Reduced drooping of cheeks or face
  • Restored smile
  • Better experience chewing and eating food

Dental Bridge Care and Maintenance

After the dental bridge procedure:

  • Brush and floss your teeth 2 to 3 times a day.
  • Keep and follow your dentist’s appointments.
  • Call or visit your dentist in case of any complications.
  • Get a replacement after 5 to 7 years.
  • Avoid biting hard and sticky foods.
  • Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
  • Avoid sugary and acidic foods.

Conclusion

If you want to replace a missing tooth with dental bridges Morristown, NJ, or you’re experiencing pain due to a dental bridge, give our office a call to schedule a visit.

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