If you’ve ever been in a situation where you lost your tooth or several of them, you may be wondering if there’s any way to restore your smile to its former glory. Nobody wants to have missing teeth as they can leave an unsightly gap that doesn’t instill confidence in the person. Dentists in Chattanooga recommend the use of dental bridges as a solution to this problem. If you haven’t gone through a dental bridge placement before, here’s what you need to know about it.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are custom-made replacement tooth or teeth designed to fill the space where one or more teeth are missing. A missing tooth can be a serious problem as it can change the shape of your face and cause some discomfort because of the change in your bite. When you lose a tooth, the neighboring teeth may shift and become crooked, making it harder for you to speak or chew.
Types of Dental Bridges
If your dentist finds that you are a good candidate for a dental bridge, they will then recommend what type of bridge is best for you. There are four main types of bridges, and they are used depending on your situation.
- Traditional Dental Bridge
- Cantilever Dental Bridge
- Maryland Bonded Bridge
- Implant-Supported Bridge
Dental Bridge Placement
Placing a dental bridge in your mouth isn’t considered surgical treatment, so you’re expected to stay awake throughout the procedure. However, you can be given a mild sedative to help you relax and feel more comfortable.
Before the actual placement, your dentist needs to take imprints and measurements of your mouth. This is crucial since dental bridges are custom-made to fit your mouth and the surrounding teeth properly. If needed, your dentist may place temporary crowns if your teeth are compromised. This is only until your custom bridges are completed.
The actual placement starts with your dentist apply a local anesthetic to numb the area of your mouth where the bridge will be placed. The temporary crowns that were placed earlier will need to be removed, and your dentist will then start applying the cement that holds the bridge in place.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Since you’ll be injected with a local anesthetic, you shouldn’t feel any sharp pains in your mouth. However, the act of leaving your mouth open for several hours could cause some discomfort and soreness on your jaw. The entire procedure could take a couple of hours to complete.
Recovery After the Procedure
Dental bridge placement is nowhere near the same level as other dental procedures and surgeries in terms of recovery. In fact, recovery time is very minimal and you can very much go on with your normal routine. You can even eat normally as soon as the bridge has been placed and the cement has completely taken hold. There is some adjustment needed, and most people have no trouble adapting to it. If you happen to feel any pain or discomfort, you better consult your dentist immediately.
Conclusion
Dental bridges are an ingenious solution if you have missing teeth due to an injury or a dental condition like gum disease or tooth decay. Your dentist will determine if a dental bridge is a good fit for your situation and what type of bridge should be used.
Trust Shallowford Family Dental Group to provide general, cosmetic, restorative, and pediatric dental care to those who need it. Our team of dentists in Chattanooga is ready to serve you and give you the highest level of dental care you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.