Caring for Your Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a solution to one or a few missing teeth.
It essentially ‘bridges’ the gap with artificial teeth. It is made up of crowns which are placed on either side of the bridge, which support a false tooth or teeth.
At Dorset Dental Implants, we are experienced in orthodontic, cosmetic and restorative dental treatments, and with over 55 years of experience, you can rest assured that your smile is in safe hands.
Call us today to discuss your treatment options.
Why would I need a dental bridge?
When a patient loses a tooth, they can experience a number of knock-on effects.
Teeth on either side of the gap will begin to move into space which can cause problems with the bite, chewing and even speaking.
As a result, you may experience pain and swelling, and your smile will look crooked and misaligned which can lower self-esteem and confidence.
A dental bridge prevents these problems from happening by filling the gap and restoring bite and chewing functions.
Unlike removable partial dentures, a dental bridge is completely fixed which means that you do not experience any irritation to the gums. Read more.
There are three types of dental bridge:
- A traditional fixed bridge
- Cantilever bridge
- Maryland dental bridge
Why is it important to care for your dental bridge?
Just like your natural teeth, your bridge also requires proper daily cleaning to maintain optimal health.
If you do not take care of your dental bridge, and keep it clean, it may lead to gum disease and other oral infections.
A dental bridge is only a few artificial teeth; your remaining natural teeth need to be cared for too to ensure that the mouth remains as healthy and as strong as possible to support your teeth and gums.
Benefits of a dental bridge
Dental bridges are a suitable and common option for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile.
Advantages include:
- Natural-looking smile
- Effective restorative solution for missing teeth
- Allows perfect biting and chewing function
- Restores jaw and mouth strength and structure
- Easy maintenance
- Non-invasive dental procedure
Aftercare for your dental bridge
After your dental bridge procedure, you may feel some initial discomfort.
You should avoid eating foods that are too hot or too cold for the initial few days following treatment.
It takes time for a dental bridge to feel comfortable and natural in your mouth. If you still feel uncomfortable, or your bite still feels abnormal after a few days, then seek the help of our dentists.
Due to sensitivity, you might be put off touching or cleaning the area.
It is vital that you continue with an oral hygiene routine, as this will help maintain the bridge and the surrounding teeth. 
Long-term maintenance of your dental bridge:
Caring for your bridge can be challenging because of the need to not only brush and floss around it but also care for tissue underneath it to eliminate plaque build-up that can inflame the gums and damage the implants.
Make sure to brush the supporting dental implants at and below the gum line like you would with a natural tooth.
1. Balanced and healthy diet
- When your bridge is in place, you should maintain a healthy and balanced diet for the benefit of your remaining natural teeth.
- Dentists will usually recommend that you avoid overly chewy or hard foods because they can cause the bridge to dislodge, weaken or even fall out.
- If your bridge falls out, call your emergency dentist.
2. Regular check-ups with your dentist
- As with any patient, you must maintain regular contact with your dentist, and organise appointments at least twice a year.
- This will allow any problems to be spotted early, as well as help keep your mouth as healthy and strong as possible.
3. Flossing and brushing
- In order to effectively clean this area, it is helpful to use super floss or a floss threader.
- Insert the floss threader underneath the replacement tooth where it sits on top of the gums. Then pull the floss gently until the spongy part touches the bridge.
- Gently move the spongy part back and forth along the gum and base of the bridge in order to remove any remaining plaque or food particles under the replacement tooth.
- Slide the sponge up and down in order to clean the surface of the supporting implants.
It is also important to use floss or an interdental brush to clean in between the bridge and neighbouring natural teeth.
Regular cleaning of your bridge will help prevent plaque build-up that can cause inflammation of the gums, which over time can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and implant-related gum disease that can potentially result in loss of the implants.
See: The best way to care for your dental implants.
Whatever your oral and dental needs, we are here to help.
Our team of friendly and experienced staff provide the highest level of service.
Call us today on 01202 973300
See more like this:
- FAQs
- Why are you shopping around for an implant?
- The Top 10 Benefits of Dental Implants
- Caring for your Hybrid Denture
- Caring for your Dental Implant
