You have a new dental bridge, which is great! Whether it’s a traditional bridge with dental crowns or an implant bridge anchored to implants in your jawbone, proper care is crucial. These fixed restorations connect an artificial tooth to nearby teeth or implants. Maintenance is simple: just floss, use mouthwash and brush your teeth daily to ensure the longevity of your dental bridge.
What is the Duration of Recovery Following Dental Bridge Placement?
Your dental bridge will take about two weeks to fully adjust. During your recovery, avoid very hot or cold foods. To manage pain and discomfort in the first few days, use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
What Are the Aftercare Steps for Teeth After Getting a Dental Bridge?
If you don’t maintain good oral hygiene around the bridge, you might develop periodontal problems. This could lead to pain and looseness in the abutment teeth supporting the bridge due to bone resorption. To protect your teeth, make sure to consistently follow these steps.
- Brush Your Teeth: Ensure you brush at least twice a day to remove debris around dental bridges, especially before bedtime.
- Flossing: Make it a daily habit to floss, maintaining optimal oral hygiene around the fixed denture. Learn the correct method with guidance from dental hygienists
- Mouthwash: Use recommended amounts of mouthwash daily for optimal oral hygiene. Any market-available mouthwash is suitable, or your dentist may suggest a medicated mouthwash if you’re at a higher risk of gum problems.
- Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular checkups with your dentist to prevent dental bridge issues and ensure the appliance remains intact.
You can fully maximize the [benefits of dental bridges] by doing these aftercare tips daily.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge?
Cleaning under the bridge might be hard due to limited space. Use a special interdental toothbrush designed for cleaning around dental bridges.
What Should You Expect After Getting a Dental Bridge?
You may experience sensitivity in your teeth, swelling in your gums, and some pain. Numbness could lead to speech impediments. Keep in mind that healing for implant-supported bridges takes longer than traditional bridges and may involve more discomfort.
What Should You Avoid with a Dental Bridge?
Avoid eating hard items like chips and hard candies, as well as sticky things like gum and caramel until your dental bridge is fully healed. Once the bridge has healed, you can consume most foods, but be sure to clean your teeth thoroughly afterward. Smoking and tobacco can delay healing, harm gum tissue, and reduce the lifespan of the bridge.
How long after a bridge can I eat?
Stick to a softer diet for the first few days as your gums and teeth in the bridge area may be sensitive. Avoid sticky foods for the initial 24 hours. After that, you can resume your regular eating, drinking, and teeth care routine.
How do I clean under my bridge?
For proper maintenance, brush, floss, or use an interdental cleaner under your bridge. Since the units are connected, a floss spool can’t go through the spaces between the teeth from the top. Avoid using regular floss between the bridge, as it’s not recommended and could compromise the appliance if done regularly.
What to eat after getting a bridge?
Opt for lukewarm or room temperature foods and beverages after getting a dental bridge. Avoid crunchy and hard foods to minimize stress, as pressure on the bridge can lead to pain.
What to know about Dental Bridges besides Recovery and Aftercare?
After dental bridge recovery, prioritize oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. Adjust your diet initially to include softer foods and avoid stressing the bridge with crunchy or hard items. Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and maintain a healthy lifestyle for optimal healing. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the bridge’s condition and address any emerging issues promptly.
Dr. Jacob Vayner at Esthetic Smile Dental Care has over 19 years of experience in dental bridge since 2011. Book an appointment with Dr. Jacob Vayner to address your dental bridge needs.
