Alternatives to Bridges
What are your choices for replacing
missing teeth?
When you're missing one or more teeth, you have several
options:
• Delay treatment
• Use a space maintainer
• Choose implants
• Try a partial denture
• Choose a bridge
If you delay treatment, the situation will only get worse.
Teeth need each other for support, and when one or more
teeth are lost, the teeth on either side begin to shift
position. When a tooth no longer has anything to chew
against, it can begin to exturde out of its socket. Space
maintainers are usually used on children as a temporary
solution when baby teeth have been lost early. They maintain
the space until the permanent tooth come in. They’re
not intended as a solution for replacing permanent teeth.
An implant with a crown might be a possibility. Treatment
time is longer, but we wouldn't have to prepare the teeth
next to the space. A partial denture could work well if
several teeth are missing throughout the mouth. It fills
in the
Choosing a dental bridge
A dental bridge is an excellent way to replace one or
more missing teeth and restore stability to your mouth.
A dental bridge is cemented to the teeth next to the space,
and those teeth hold the bridge in place and provide support.
Bridges are easy to care for, and they look great.
 |
 |
 |
| Teeth need
each other for support |
An implant
with a crown |
A dental bridge |
Homecare — Temporary Bridges
How to care for a temporary
bridge
Now that we’ve placed a temporary bridge,
it’s important to follow these recommendations to
ensure the success of your final restoration:
Chewing and eating
If we used an anesthetic during the procedure, avoid chewing
until the numbness has completely worn off.
Avoid chewing for at least one half-hour to allow the
temporary cement to set.
To keep your temporary in place, avoid eating hard or
sticky foods, especially chewing gum. If possible, chew
only on the opposite side of your mouth.
Brushing and flossing
Brush normally, but floss very carefully. We may recommend
special floss, brushes, or other cleaning aids to keep
the area free of bacteria. If your teeth are sensitive
to hot, cold, or pressure, use desensitizing toothpaste.
If sensitivity persists beyond a few days, call us.
Medication and discomfort
Take antibiotics or other medications only as directed.
To reduce any discomfort or swelling, rinse your mouth
three times a day with warm salt water. Use about 1 teaspoon
of salt per glass of warm water. It’s normal for
your gums to be sore for several days.
When to call us
Call us if your temporary bridge comes off. Save the temporary
so we can recement it. It’s very important for the
proper fit of your final bridge that your temporary stay
in place. Call our office if your bite feels uneven, you
have persistent sensitivity or discomfort, or if you have
any questions or concerns.
Homecare — Permanent Bridges
How to care for a permanent bridge
Now that we’ve placed your permanent bridge, it’s
important to follow these recommendations to ensure its
success:
Chewing and eating
If we used an anesthetic during the procedure, avoid chewing
until the numbness has completely worn off.
Brushing and flossing
To protect your bridge, carefully follow our instructions
for keeping the areas around and under the bridge free
of bacteria. We may recommend special floss, brushes,
or other cleaning aids. If your teeth are sensitive to
hot, cold, or pressure, use desensitizing
toothpaste. If sensitivity persists beyond a few days,
call us.
Medication and discomfort
Take antibiotics or other medications only as directed.
To reduce any discomfort or swelling, rinse your mouth
three times a day with warm salt water. Use about 1 teaspoon
of salt per glass of warm water. It’s normal for
your gums to be sore for several days.
When to call us
Call our office if your bite feels uneven, you have persistent
sensitivity or discomfort, or if you have any questions
or concerns.
