Common Problems with Dental Bridges and How to Solve Them

Dental or tooth bridges can restore your smile and function, but they may be challenging. Understanding these common problems and knowing how to address them can help ensure your bridge remains effective and comfortable.

Discomfort or Pain After Getting Dental Bridges

Experiencing discomfort or pain after getting dental bridges is not uncommon and can vary in intensity and duration. Here are some common causes and solutions:

• Causes of Discomfort:

• Ill-Fitting Bridges: If your dental bridge is not properly fitted, it can exert uneven pressure on your gums and neighboring teeth, leading to soreness and discomfort.
• Gum Sensitivity: Your gums may become sensitive or inflamed after the procedure, especially if there was extensive work done to prepare the abutment teeth.

• Solutions for Reducing Pain and Enhancing Comfort:

• Adjustments by Your Dentist: Schedule a follow-up appointment to address any fitting issues. They can adjust the bridge to improve fit and alleviate pressure points.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain-relieving medicines like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for dosage and usage.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain an excellent level of oral hygiene habits, including gentle brushing and rinsing with saltwater to soothe inflamed gums.
• Soft Diet: Stick to softer foods initially to minimize chewing discomfort while your mouth adjusts.

Difficulty Speaking or Eating with Dental Bridges

Adjusting to speaking and eating with a new dental bridge can present initial challenges that require patience and adaptation. Here’s what to expect and how to manage:

• Common Speech and Eating Challenges:

• Speech Adjustment: You may experience temporary changes in speech, such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain words, as your tongue adapts to the presence of the bridge.
• Chewing Difficulties: Initially, chewing may feel awkward or uncomfortable, especially with hard or sticky foods.

• Tips for Adjusting to Your New Dental Bridge:

• Practice: Practice speaking slowly and enunciating words to help your tongue adjust to the new space occupied by the bridge.
• Start with Soft Foods: Begin with softer foods that require less chewing effort. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as you become more comfortable.
• Chew Evenly: Distribute chewing evenly across both sides of your mouth to reduce strain on the bridge and supporting teeth.
• Speech Therapy: If speech difficulties persist, consider speech therapy exercises recommended by your dentist or speech therapist.

Bridge Loosening or Falling Out

While dental bridges in Wynnewood, PA, are designed to be durable, they can occasionally become loose or dislodged. Understanding the causes and steps to take can help prevent this issue:

• Why Dental Bridges May Become Loose:

• Poor Fit: Bridges not properly fitted or secured can become loose over a period of time due to daily wear and tear.
• Gum Disease: Untreated or unattended gum disease can weaken the gums and bone supporting the bridge, leading to instability.
• Physical Trauma: Injury or impact to the mouth can dislodge a bridge.

• Steps to Secure a Loose Bridge:

• Immediate Care: If your bridge feels loose or shifts out of place, contact your dentist immediately for an assessment.
• Avoid Pressure: Refrain from eating hard or sticky foods that could further dislodge the bridge.
• Professional Evaluation: Your dentist will examine the bridge and underlying teeth to determine the cause. They may need to re-cement the bridge or recommend additional treatment based on their findings.

Prompt attention to a loose dental bridge can prevent complications and maintain the integrity of your oral health. Regular dental check-ups are mandatory for monitoring the condition of your bridge and ensuring early intervention if issues arise.

Decay or Damage to Remaining Teeth Supporting the Bridge

The teeth supporting your dental bridge are crucial to its stability and longevity. Understanding the risks and preventive measures can help maintain their health:

• Understanding the Risk of Supporting Teeth:

• Increased Risk of Decay: Plaque and food particles can collect around the bridge, leading to decay of the abutment teeth if not properly cleaned.
• Mechanical Stress: The abutment teeth may experience increased mechanical stress from supporting the bridge, especially if the bite is not properly balanced.

• Preventive Measures and Treatments:

• Good Oral Hygiene: To remove plaque and stop decay, brushing and flossing the area surrounding the bridge and the teeth that act as abutments is crucial. For under-bridge cleaning, use interdental brushes or a floss threader.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Make time for routine dental examinations and cleanings by a professional. The abutment teeth’s condition can be evaluated by your dentist, who can also suggest preventive care.
• Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride applications can strengthen the enamel of the abutment teeth, reducing the risk of decay.
• Night Guards: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a night guard can nicely protect the abutment teeth from excessive wear and damage.

Discoloration or Staining of the Dental Bridge

Over time, dental bridges may become discolored or stained due to various factors. Understanding the causes and methods to preserve their appearance can help prolong their aesthetic appeal:

• Causes of Bridge Discoloration:

• Food and Drink: Consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods can stain the materials used in dental bridges.
• Smoking: Tobacco products can cause persistent staining of dental restorations.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Plaque buildup on and around the bridge can contribute to discoloration over time.

• How to Maintain the Appearance of Your Dental Bridge:

• Good Oral Hygiene Practices: Brush your teeth and bridge twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss or use interdental cleaners to remove plaque and debris around the bridge.
• Avoid Staining Substances: Eat and drink fewer things that discolor teeth. After ingesting staining agents, rinse your mouth with water.
• Regular Dental Cleanings: Visit your dentist for expert cleanings and examinations at least twice a year. Your dentist can polish the bridge to remove surface stains and assess its overall condition.

Conclusion

Addressing and managing common challenges such as discomfort, speech difficulties, bridge stability, tooth health, and discoloration are essential for maintaining a durable dental implant bridge. Regular dental check-ups and proactive oral care routines play pivotal roles in securing the longevity and optimal function of your dental implant bridge.

Ready to Solve Your Dental Bridge Concerns? Book Your Appointment Today!

Schedule a consultation with Wynnewood Dental Arts today for expert care and solutions tailored to your dental bridge needs. Discover how our team can enhance oral health and comfort with our specialized services for fixed dental bridges in Wynnewood, PA.