Dental Bridge Care And Maintenance
Posted on: 6 December 2017
The problem of missing teeth can be resolved with the help of many dental interventions. Dental bridges are common for restoring a smile and eliminating the look of a missing natural tooth. If you have a bridge procedure, a porcelain (or ceramic) synthetic tooth will be fitted for your mouth. That "tooth", known as a pontic, is attached to thin crowns put on the surface of the two teeth on either side of your existing gap. The crowns form the "bridge". Care and maintenance are important for future teeth and gum health, so heed these bridge tips:
Treat Sensitivity
Following the procedure, it's typical to feel as if the crowned teeth and other teeth nearby are super-sensitive to hot or cold things. This can feel uncomfortable to the point of pain, but this can be relieved if you expect it and act accordingly. Special kinds of toothpaste can soothe teeth, as can prescription mouthwashes you may request from your dentist. It's also important to be sensitive to your sensitive teeth; wait some days before tackling nuts, ice, and other substances that require a lot of chewing effort.
Floss Daily
If you're someone who has tried to avoid flossing with any regularity, a dental bridge makes the task necessary. It's challenging at first to floss between your pontic and adjoining teeth, and flossing must be done thoroughly in order to remove food particles that can be stuck in the area. Particles may lead to bacteria which gets under the gum line or causes cavities, and further dental work could be necessary; flossing makes such situations less likely. You may even get the assistance of a simple water-jet system to push particles out of the area and more fully cleanse the region.
Visit Dentist Regularly
Because it's not always easy to be certain that your personal cleaning methods are doing what they should, regular dental appointments are essential. Your dentist can observe how the bridge is faring and recommend different techniques for your efforts at home. While they're examining the pontic, your other teeth and your gums, they will also be able to inspect the pontic and alert you to any stability issues that must be rectified. Your dentist may ask that you visit more frequently than usual in the weeks following the initial procedure to ensure your mouth is okay.
If you're unsure about your bridge, use this information and speak soon to a dentist like Scott W. Murphy, D.M.D., P.A. They can assist you in being comfortable with your new dental work.
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