Essential Dental Bridge Maintenance Tips from Dr. Polasek
Dental bridges are a reliable solution for restoring missing teeth, enhancing your smile, and improving your
overall oral health. However, like any dental restoration, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and optimal functionality.
At Polasek Digital Dentistry & Schaefer Dental Group, led by Howell, MI, dentist, Dr. Kyle Polasek and his team are committed to helping you understand how to care for your dental bridge effectively. Read our comprehensive guide and learn how to maintain your restoration and enjoy its benefits for years to come. You can also reach our Livingston County dental practice by dialing 517-546-8983 to schedule your appointment.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Proper care for your dental bridge involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Pay special
attention to cleaning the areas under and around your bridge. Use floss or interdental brushes to clean the spaces between your teeth. A floss threader or super floss can help you effectively clean under the bridge. - Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit our Howell dental office regularly for regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings. This will allow Dr. Polasek and his team to detect any potential issues early and keep your bridge and surrounding teeth healthy.
- Watch Your Diet: Sticky or hard foods can potentially harm your dental bridge. Limit your consumption of items like hard candy, caramel, and nuts.
- Use Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth, preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
- Protect Your Teeth: If you grind or clench your teeth, ask Dr. Polasek about a night guard to protect both your natural teeth and the dental bridge.
- Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to gum disease, which can weaken the foundation (the teeth or implants) that supports your bridge.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients helps promote optimal gum health and supports the teeth holding the bridge.
- Check for Looseness: If your dental bridge becomes loose or you experience any discomfort, see Dr. Polasek immediately. Don’t attempt to adjust or fix it yourself.
- Fluoride Treatment: Depending on your risk for cavities, our dentist may recommend a fluoride gel or mouth rinse to strengthen your teeth.
- Antibacterial Gel: In some cases, Dr. Polasek might recommend the use of an antibacterial gel under the bridge to reduce bacteria and food accumulation.
attention to cleaning the areas under and around your bridge. Use floss or interdental brushes to clean the spaces between your teeth. A floss threader or super floss can help you effectively clean under the bridge.
Signs of Wear and Tear
Regular monitoring of your dental bridge is crucial to identify signs of wear and tear early on. Common indications that your dental bridge may require attention include:
- Loose or Shifting Bridge: If your dental bridge feels loose or shifts when you bite or chew, it may indicate that the cement holding it in place has worn off or that there’s an issue with the underlying teeth or dental implants.
- Discomfort or Pain: Sensitivity, pain, or discomfort while eating or biting down can be a sign of a problem with your dental bridge. It could be due to an ill-fitting bridge, decay underneath the bridge, or gum inflammation.
- Visible Damage: Inspect your dental bridge regularly for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or fractures. Damaged areas can harbor bacteria and lead to further complications if left untreated.
- Gum Inflammation: If you notice redness, swelling, or bleeding around the gum area adjacent to the dental bridge, it may indicate gum disease or an infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent further damage to your bridge and overall oral health.
Replacing Dental Bridges
While dental bridges are durable, they may eventually require replacement due to wear and tear or changes in your dental condition. The process typically involves the following steps:
Consultation
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Polasek to assess the condition of your existing dental bridge and discuss your concerns. He will evaluate your oral health, examine the bridge, and determine if replacement is necessary.
Preparation
If replacement is recommended, Dr. Polasek will prepare the supporting teeth or implants by removing the existing bridge. In some cases, additional procedures, such as root canal treatment or implant placement, may be required to ensure optimal support for the new bridge.
Impressions
Impressions of your teeth and the surrounding area will be taken to create a custom-made dental bridge that matches your natural teeth in shape, size, and color. These impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication.
Temporary Bridge
While waiting for the permanent bridge to be fabricated, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth and maintain aesthetics.
Final Placement
Once the new bridge is ready, Dr. Polasek will test it for proper fit, aesthetics, and functionality. He will ensure that the bridge fits comfortably, aligns properly with your bite, and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Once everything is confirmed, the new bridge will be securely cemented or attached in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s essential to clean under and around your dental bridge every day. Like natural teeth, bacteria and food particles can accumulate around the bridge, leading to gum disease or tooth decay in the adjacent teeth. Using specialized floss, or special tools such as super floss or a floss threader, can help you effectively clean these areas.
Yes, you can use a regular toothbrush to clean your dental bridge. However, consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the surface of the bridge. Some people also find an electric toothbrush effective in maintaining oral hygiene when they have dental restorations.
Dental bridges, especially those made from porcelain, can resist stains better than natural teeth. However, the bonding agents or the cement used to attach the bridge to other teeth can discolor over time. It’s a good idea to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after consuming staining foods or beverages to minimize the risk.