Do you have several missing consecutive teeth? Are you looking for a restoration that balances the bite?
Dr. Lauren Francis offers dental bridge treatment in Hampstead, NC. Dental bridges are restorative dental treatments that replace multiply lost and missing teeth. Our team can help you determine if dental bridges are the right choice for you at your next consultation. Call Seaside Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for dental bridge treatment today.
Types of Dental Bridges
We provide fixed or removable bridges to our patients. Removable bridges are best used as short-term solutions for missing teeth. A removable dental bridge will attach to adjacent teeth and can be removed for daily cleaning. This type of bridge is typically considered a temporary solution and does not offer long-term dental health benefits.
Fixed dental bridges are permanently attached to the mouth with natural adjacent teeth that are covered by dental crowns.
Dental Bridge FAQs
When should I replace my removable dental bridge?
Replacing your removable dental bridge with a secured bridge helps support your long-term oral health. Removable dental bridges do not restore your full bite and do not support the jawbone. Patients who wear removable bridges do not have the support of their jaw; as a result, facial sagging is more prevalent.
How do you clean a fixed dental bridge?
Caring for fixed dental bridges is similar to caring for regular teeth. Patients should floss under the bridge to remove food particles as that can lead to plaque buildup and gum disease.
Do dental bridges have dietary restrictions?
Dentists recommend staying away from chewy, hard, or sticky foods if you have a traditional dental bridge. Removable bridges especially do not have the stability of crown-secured bridges. Certain foods can damage, break, and bend a removable traditional bridge.
How long do dental bridges last?
Traditional dental bridges last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. An implant-supported bridge is a permanent dental restoration. It shouldn’t need to be replaced unless it somehow suffers from damage.
How long will it take for a dental bridge to feel normal?
A dental bridge feels weird in your mouth at first. There’s an adjustment period, but it does start to feel like a normal part of your mouth. Give it about two weeks and your mouth will be used to that dental bridge.
How long do I have to wait to eat after getting a bridge?
We recommend waiting about an hour to eat after your bridge is fixed in place. Avoid hard or sticky foods for a few hours. The bridge takes time to fully cement and settle with your teeth.
Is a dental bridge painful?
No, getting a dental bridge isn’t painful. If your natural teeth are supporting the bridge, you may experience some sensitivity in the area of the bridge. In general, some discomfort is normal for the first few days after getting a bridge. Give your mouth time to adjust to the new structure.
Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Though implant-supported bridges are the most recommended, not all patients are eligible for dental implants. We’ll do an exam and determine if implants are the right choice for you. If you can’t get implants, it’s likely that you’re able to get a removable bridge. We’ll use dental crowns to strengthen the natural teeth to support your bridge.
Call Our Dental Office
Do you want to restore the look and function of your teeth with dental bridges? Schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Francis and her dental team online. You may also call our office at 910-335-4392. We help patients from Hampstead and Wilmington, North Carolina.