the gap. Your dental bridge may be supported by your natural teeth or by implants. Your dentist may recommend a dental bridge if you cannot receive a dental implant. ‚
What will the results be?
A bridge may help you eat the foods you enjoy. You may have more confidence while smiling. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your dentist will take your history and do an exam.
- Other tests, like an x-ray of your mouth, may be ordered. Your dentist may take impressions and make a mold of your mouth.
- Talk to your dentist about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the dentist about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any other allergies, like metal allergies.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your dentist if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your dentist about them.
- Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or you think you are pregnant.
- Your dentist will decide how many appointments you may need for your dental bridge procedure. Most often, you will need 2 or 3 visits to complete your dental bridge procedure. Each visit may take 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens during the procedure?
- Traditional Fixed Bridge:
- During your first visit, your dentist will:
- Numb part of your mouth.
- Prepare your teeth for the bridge by reshaping them. Your dentist will drill the teeth down so that the bridge will fit over them and support the missing tooth it is designed to replace.
- Put a temporary bridge or temporary crowns over your teeth.
- Take photographs to help decide on a shade for your permanent bridge.
- Make a mold of your teeth and send it to the dental lab for your permanent bridge to be made. Your new bridge will return from the lab in a few weeks.
- During your next visits, the dentist may or may not numb your mouth. Your dentist will:
- Take off the temporary crowns or temporary bridge.
- Cement the new permanent bridge in place.
- Adjust the bridge to get your bite comfortable.
- Bonded Bridge:
- During your first visit, your dentist may:
- Numb part of your mouth.
- Prepare the teeth, if needed, for the wing attachments by reshaping them.
- Take photographs to help decide on a shade for your permanent bridge.
- Make a mold of your teeth and send it to the dental lab for your permanent bridge to be made. Your bridge will be made with wings that will be cemented to the back of your existing teeth. Your bridge will be ready in a few weeks.
- During your second visit, the dentist may or may not numb your mouth. Your dentist will:
- Cement the new bridge in place.
- Adjust the bridge to get your bite comfortable.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home after your dental bridge procedure.
- You will learn how to care for your bridge. Caring for your temporary bridge may be different than caring for your permanent bridge.
- You may need special tools to help you floss and clean under and around your bridge.
- You may feel some pain and sensitivity afterwards.
- You may need to go to the dentist to have your bridge adjusted. The dentist may also need to check it on a regular basis. Be sure to keep your regular visits with your dentist.
What drugs may be needed?
The dentist may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Numb your mouth during the procedures
- Keep you calm and relaxed
What problems could happen?
- Pain or sensitivity
- Allergic reaction to the implant or bridge materials.
- Appearance of dark line on crowned tooth next to the gum line
- Bridge becomes loose
- You may have a cavity or gum problems with the tooth that supports your bridge
- Bridge can break or wear down overtime
Where can I learn more?
Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=&iid=829&aid=4332 ‚
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ‚
http://aacd.com/index.php?module=cms&page=576 ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bridges ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚