A dental bridge is a restorative dental solution that replaces one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges “bridge the gap” between missing teeth and natural teeth. They secure artificial teeth, or pontics, to adjacent teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges can be attached, also known as fixed bridges, or removable. Bridges can be made by placing dental crowns on abutment teeth. Dental implants can also secure dental bridges for a longer-lasting restoration. Dr. Ned Greenberg provides dental bridge treatment to his Baltimore, MD patients.
Dental Bridge Treatment in Baltimore, MD
It will take several appointments to secure your dental bridge fully. At the first appointment, Dr. Greenberg will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a small part of the enamel to prepare them for the bridge. Next, he takes dental impressions of your teeth in order to create your crowns or implants properly. When cemented on natural teeth, crowns provide a stable bite and support. Two adjacent teeth support a traditional dental bridge. The natural teeth are capped off with dental crowns to secure the bridge. Strategically placed dental implants support implant-secured dental bridges.
Caring For Dental Bridges
Immediately following treatment, your mouth may feel numb. Refrain from eating or drinking hot foods or beverages until the numbness has worn off. Avoid eating sticky and hard foods. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. You may experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity, which should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. However, if your bite feels uneven, if you have severe pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office. We will help you get the care you need.
Dental Bridge FAQs
How many teeth can you have on a bridge?
Bridges may contain one to four teeth depending on placement and patient needs. They are most commonly used to restore one to two teeth but can be used for more if necessary.
How do you clean under a dental bridge?
Cleaning under your bridge can be difficult. We recommend using floss and a threader to facilitate the process. You can loop floss through your threader and feed it underneath and around your bridge.
How long does it take for gums to heal after a dental bridge?
On average, it takes about 8-12 weeks for your gums to recover after a bridge is placed. Your bridge should start to settle after 2-3 weeks but there may be some gum sensitivity until fully healed.
Is dental bridge treatment painful?
The procedure for getting a dental bridge should not be painful. We will numb your mouth before treatment to keep you comfortable and pain-free throughout your procedure.
Can you whiten a dental bridge?
Dental bridges cannot be whitened because they are color-matched to your natural teeth. Because of this, they appear natural. However, the materials used to make bridges cannot be bleached or whitened.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Do you have one or more missing teeth? Try dental bridges. Call Dr. Greenberg for treatment today at 410.686.4646 or request a dental exam with him on our website. Let Dr. Greenberg know if you have any remaining questions about dental bridges or other restoration. He will be glad to help you get the answers you need.