How to Care for a Fixed Dental Bridge

Posted on: June 12, 2019

dental bridge Brandon, MS

After finally deciding to replace your lost tooth with a fixed dental bridge, you are left with the question: how do you care for your new dental restoration? Getting a new, healthy smile can be a little overwhelming and a big confidence booster. If you want to preserve the new smile and keep your teeth looking attractive for a long time, you need to learn the correct ways to care for your dental bridge.

Increasing the lifespan of your fixed dental bridge

With proper care, a fixed dental bridge can survive for ten years or more. The biggest threat to your new dental bridge is tooth decay, which is mostly caused when food debris gets stuck between your teeth or beneath the prosthetic tooth. If tooth decay occurs, the natural teeth holding the dental bridge on either side may falter and cause the bridge to fail. The following are ways to care for your fixed dental bridge and increase its lifespan.

Avoid chewing on ice or hard substances

Dental bridges and crowns are manufactured from ceramic, which is sturdy and durable, but like healthy teeth, they may break or fracture if subjected to undue force or pressure. Avoid bad habits like chewing ice or opening bottles or packages with your teeth. These acts can place your dental bridge at risk of damage.

Clean the dental bridge daily

You may think the fixed dental bridge is a prosthetic and requires no care, but this is wrong. You should take time to brush your dental restoration daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent possible accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth.

Do not forget to floss

Flossing is a crucial aspect of your oral care regimen, and you need to clean the spaces between the teeth and your gums properly to prevent plaque build-up or gum disease. Ensure you floss daily, especially after meals and before bedtime, making sure there are no particles left in your teeth.

Get a fluoride rinse

Although the purpose of getting the dental bridge is to get back the function and strength of the tooth crown above the gum line, you should take adequate care to ensure the gum line is in an optimal state. This is to prevent bacteria or plaque accumulation in this area. Brushing and flossing will help, but using a fluoride dental rinse will further fortify your dentition against tooth decay. This is especially recommended for people who are at higher risk of cavities or gum disease.

In conclusion

In the first few days of getting your dental bridge, you may notice minor sensitivity to hot or cold food or drinks. You can consult your dentist to get recommendations for products that may help lessen this symptom. Aside from your regular home care, you need to keep up with your bi-annual dental appointments for cleanings and exams. During your appointment, the dentist will check if your fixed dental bridges are correctly fitted and in good condition. With proper care, you should not need another dental bridge in years.

Request an appointment here: http://www.drsarahlangston.com or call The Dental Wellness Group at (601) 533-4788 for an appointment in our Brandon office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.


Related Posts

March 12, 2024

Will Six Month Smiles® Help Improve My Teeth?

Thinking about choosing the Six Month Smiles® teeth straightening option to improve the look of your teeth? Straightening one’s teeth is easier than ever due to advanced dental technologies. Ready to learn …

March 1, 2024

What Is a Dental Onlay?

Considering a dental onlay? This restoration is one that offers patients the chance to renew and rebuild teeth that are in bad shape due to damage or decay. While there are a …

February 5, 2024

How Often Does a Child's Teeth Need a Cleaning From a Family Dentist?

A common mistake that parents make is assuming that regular family dentist visits for their child are not necessary because baby teeth will fall out, anyway. However, the health of the child’s …

February 1, 2024

The Role of the Jawbone in Dental Implant Placement

If a lost tooth is not replaced by replacement options like dental implants, you may find normal oral functions like eating and speaking somewhat challenging. The smile’s alignment and appearance will also …