Dental Bridges – Jacksonville, FL

How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?

Depending on the patient’s needs, a dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row. However, bridges are most commonly used to replace only one or two teeth. The longer a bridge extends, the less stable it may become. This is especially true if the natural teeth supporting the bridge aren’t strong and healthy. So, it may become risky to have a bridge replace three or more teeth. If you are missing multiple consecutive teeth, you may benefit more from an implant bridge. Dental implants are just as strong and secure as natural teeth, if not more so.

Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?

Patient comfort is always a top priority at North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry. Before preparing your teeth to support a bridge, Dr. Bradberry will numb the teeth they’ll be working on. While topical anesthetic is usually all it takes, severely nervous or anxious patients may benefit from dental sedation. After your dental bridge has been placed, you can expect the underlying teeth to feel sensitive for the next few days. Taking over-the-counter pain medications should help, but call our office if the discomfort worsens. If you’re getting an implant bridge, there will likely be some soreness after your dental implant placement surgery. Dr. Bradberry will provide detailed aftercare instructions to minimize pain.

Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?

While it’s impossible for a bridge itself to develop cavities, the natural teeth underneath it still can. Food debris can most easily become trapped in the space where the crowns meet the gums. Additionally, if a bridge is nearing the end of its lifespan, then the cement holding it in place may start to crack, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection or decay. Practicing excellent oral hygiene and regularly visiting a dentist in Jacksonville is essential to keeping the area around your bridge clean and your smile healthy.

How Do I Clean Under My Dental Bridge?

Cleaning underneath your dental bridge is extremely important to prevent bacteria accumulation. If bacteria infect the gum tissue around your bridge, it could ultimately cause your restoration to fail. There are a few different ways to clean under a dental bridge, so you may need to try them all to find the one that’s easiest for you.

• Option A: Loop a piece of traditional floss through a threader, then slide the pointed end underneath the bridge and out the other side. Slide the floss back and forth under the restoration. Then, wrap the floss around each of the supporting teeth/implants to clean just beneath the gums there.
• Option B: Slide an interdental brush in and out of the space under your bridge to remove food debris. Also called interproximal brushes or “Christmas tree brushes,” these tools come with long handles and contain puffy bristles that are attached to a wire.
• Option C: Use a use water flosser such as Waterpik. These powered devices release a steady stream of water, which you can aim underneath your bridge. Many people with dental bridges in Jacksonville enjoy the feeling of cleanliness that comes from using a water flosser.

How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?

With proper care and maintenance, your dental bridge can last for over a decade! A great place to start is with a solid at-home dental care regimen. Then, incorporate other healthy habits into your routine, like eating healthy, well-balanced meals, wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night, and coming to our office every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning.

Can Dental Bridges Be Whitened?

Unfortunately, dental bridges cannot be whitened. When we’re collaborating on the details during the treatment process, like the size, shape, and shade of each replacement tooth, we will carefully select the color that best matches your surrounding teeth. That way, it looks and feels extremely lifelike.

If there does come a time when you are no longer happy with the color of your dental bridge, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us! Once we know more about your unique smile goals, we can discuss your treatment options and help you decide which one is best for you.

Do Dental Bridges Feel Natural?

As you may have expected, you’ll notice your dental bridge quite a bit when you first get it. That said, with each passing day, it will feel more and more natural. After all, these restorations are crafted from only the best dental materials and are custom-made for each patient to ensure they look and feel just like the real thing!

How Soon Can You Get a Bridge After a Tooth Extraction?

Whether you’re having one tooth extracted or several, you’ll need time to heal. To ensure that process is smooth and comfortable, we will provide you with aftercare instructions, like eating only extremely soft foods, using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, and taking OTC pain medication as directed. After eight weeks or so, you should be completely healed, and, at that time, we can transition our focus to rebuilding your smile.

What Can You Not Eat with a Dental Bridge?

Extremely sticky foods, like taffy, should be avoided at all costs because they can easily loosen your dental bridge or even pull it out of place. We also recommend limiting your intake of sugary foods as well as ones with a crunchier consistency, like hard pretzels and peanut brittle. Instead, do your best to fill your plate with nutrient-dense foods, such as plain yogurt, cooked carrots, and oatmeal. That way, your body has the nutrients it needs to help keep your smile healthy from the inside out!

Are Dental Bridges Covered by Insurance?

Good news: dental insurance providers often cover a portion of the cost of dental bridges! Of course, every plan is different, and waiting periods, annual maximums, and other red tape needs to be considered. So, if you need any help navigating the ins and outs of your coverage, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re proud to welcome several popular providers, including Cigna, and we’ll do our best to make understanding and utilizing your benefits easy.