A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Repair a Dental Bridge and Restore Your Smile
A dental bridge is a setup using natural or artificial teeth that bridges the gap between adjacent teeth. It consists of artificial teeth or implants and wires attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, restoring functionality and aesthetics.
Maintaining dental bridges is crucial for oral health as it prevents complications such as gum disease, decay, and shifting of adjacent teeth. Proper care and maintenance of the teeth and dental bridge can keep the bridge in place for at least 10 years. In this blog, you will learn in detail about dental bridges and how they can be maintained and repaired for better dental health.
Understanding Dental Bridges: What They Are and Why They Matter
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional bridges
Traditional dental bridges are used for the stabilization of teeth and extra support. These types of dental bridges achieve their purpose when you have a lot of natural teeth present around the gap to be bridged.
- Cantilever bridges
The Cantilever bridge is much like the traditional type of dental bridge. However, it is used when one side has natural teeth left.
- Maryland bridges
The Maryland dental bridge is also called the resin-bonded dental bridge and the bridge repair dental process involves the use of resin and other compounds. Your dentist might use the Maryland dental bridges to fill any gap left on the front of the teeth set.
- Implant-supported bridges
The implant-supported bridge is unlike other bridges because it rests on top of artificial dental implants instead of a person’s natural teeth. The implant-supported bridge might take time to be enforced because it needs stable implants after extraction. This process might take months to complete.
Also Read: Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges
Signs Your Dental Bridge Needs Repair
Pain or discomfort
The most common sign that indicates you need to repair a dental bridge is pain or discomfort in the teeth and jaw. The pain and discomfort can mean that you are facing an infection or weakening of the dental bridge in that area.
Visible damage or cracks
The dental bridge is supported either by your natural teeth or abutments. If you see that the supporting tooth is damaged and cracked or it feels loose, then the dental bridge might be loose, too. In this case, you need to repair a dental bridge at the earliest.
Difficulty chewing or biting
If your bite has changed and you are facing any difficulty in chewing and biting, that means the state of your dental bridge has changed. The composition of your teeth set has changed, and you need to repair your dental bridge to maintain the integrity of your teeth set.
The bridge feels loose
A sign that you or your dentist should not miss is if the bridge feels loose. The dental bridge is used to secure the teeth and keep the set stable. If the bridge itself feels loose to you, you need to go to your dentist for a dental bridge repair procedure.
Common Causes: Why Dental Bridges Get Damaged
Natural wear and tear
If you have lost a lot of teeth already, installing a dental bridge can add additional stress to the existing teeth. Thus, a dental bridge can expose the tooth to strain and damage from natural causes.
Poor dental hygiene
Poor dental hygiene is the cause of a lot of oral health problems and teeth damage. Poor dental hygiene often results in damage to the dental bridge, which requires quick repair.
Eating hard or sticky foods
Eating hard or sticky food can affect the placement and stability of your dental bridge. After you get your dental bridge installed, you should stay away from such food.
Physical trauma
Sometimes, due to an accident or trauma, we damage our teeth. If you have a dental bridge, along with the teeth, you might also face damage in the dental bridge section.
Immediate Steps: What to Do If Your Dental Bridge is Damaged
Avoid further stress on the bridge
If you find that your dental bridge is damaged, you will need to be careful not to put any more stress on the existing teeth set. Excess stress and trauma can further weaken your teeth and bridges.
Maintain oral hygiene
Take the advice of your dentist and make an effort to maintain oral hygiene so that your dental bridge is clean and safe.
Contact your dentist immediately
If you learn that the dental bridge is very damaged and loose, you need to go to your trusted dentist. Your dentist will know how to repair a dental bridge, and you can trust him.
Repair Options: How Professionals Fix Damaged Dental Bridges
Evaluation and Diagnosis
- Examination of the bridge and surrounding teeth
The dentist will first examine your teeth set and the dental bridge area using his physical examination tools and techniques.
- X-rays or scans to assess underlying issues
For a clearer picture and to get an update on the structural integrity of your teeth, the dentist will also suggest an X-ray scan of the same area.
Repair Techniques
- Re-cementing the bridge
Re-cementing a dental bridge involves removing old cement, cleaning the bridge and teeth, and applying new dental cement. This procedure maintains the stability and function of the dental bridge, ensuring proper alignment and reducing discomfort. Regular check-ups can prevent issues and prolong the lifespan of the bridge.
- Replacing a damaged pontic or wing
When a pontic or wing of a dental bridge is damaged, replacement becomes necessary for restoring functionality and aesthetics. The process involves removing the damaged portion, creating a new pontic or wing, and securely attaching it to the existing bridge structure. This restores the bridge’s integrity and ensures proper oral function.
- Adjusting the fit of the bridge
Now that we know what dental bridge repair is, you must also know that it is important to change the fit of the bridge sometimes so that the teeth set is stable and the bridge is no longer loose.
When Replacement is Necessary
- Extensive damage to the bridge
Sometimes, minor repairs work well in retaining the bridge in its original form. However, when the damage is heavy, and the bridge has lost its initial form, the dentist has to reevaluate the condition and replace the bridge entirely.
- Issues with the supporting teeth or gums
If the supporting teeth or gums are infected or cracked to a large extent, the dentist has to remove the existing bridge and go on to replace it with a better option.
Also Read: Dental Bridge Procedure Step-by-Step: A Comprehensive Guide
The Repair Process: What to Expect During Dental Bridge Repair
Initial consultation and examination
You will first have to have an initial consultation and examination appointment with your dentist to determine the condition of your dental bridge. You can then know what is dental bridge repair and take the decision to get it done.
Decision on repair or replacement
Sometimes, there will be two alternatives with you, whether to repair or completely replace the dental bridge. Your dentist will tell you about the current state of the dental bridge, and based on the evaluation, you have to make the final decision.
The Repair or Replacement Procedure
Once you have made the decision to repair or replace, you will go through with the dental bridge repair procedure under the supervision of your dentist.
Follow-up care and maintenance
After the repair session, the dentist will take care of your bridge and tell you about the steps you need to take to maintain the bridge under follow-up care.
Home Care Tips: How to Protect Your Dental Bridge While Waiting for Repair
Soft diet to avoid further damage
Intake of hard and sticky foods can further damage the dental bridge. Once you see that your dental bridge is damaged, be careful with your diet and choose a soft, semi-solid diet to protect your oral cavity.
Gentle brushing and flossing around the bridge
While you wait for dental bridge treatment in San Antonio, you should be careful and gentle with your teeth. You should be gentle with your teeth while brushing, eating, and flossing so that there is no pressure on your bridge.
Using antiseptic mouthwash to prevent infection
A loose and damaged bridge is also prone to infection and wounds. It is best to use an antiseptic mouthwash regularly to keep infections and sepsis at bay.
How to Prevent Future Damage to Your Dental BridgeRegular dental check-ups
Once you get your dental bridge repaired, try to take care of your teeth to the best of your ability. RegularRegular dental checkups ensure that your bridge is well maintained.
Proper oral hygiene practices
Ask your dentist for oral hygiene practices that will protect your teeth and dental bridges. Use proper oral hygiene practices and products that will keep your teeth clean and keep your bridge safe.
Avoiding hard and sticky foods
Avoid eating hard, sugary, and sticky food as much as possible.
Using a mouthguard if needed
If your teeth are loose and you are worried about the structure of your dental bridge, you should use a mouthguard after talking to your dentist.
Also Read: Understanding Dental Bridge Cost: A Comprehensive Guide
Restoring Confidence in Your Smile with Dental Bridge Repair
After you get your dental bridges installed, it is important to keep the integrity of the bridges in place. Without proper maintenance, the bridges can cause more harm than good. For dental bridge services in Bulverde and proper repair, you should meet an experienced dentist.
You can book an appointment with Evans Family Dentistry for the earliest date if you need urgent repairs to the dental bridges. The dentists will also enlighten you about the process of taking care of your teeth and the installed bridges.
