How to Care for Your Dental Bridge in Henderson, NV

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

When caring for your new dental bridge, keep these essential tips in mind:

1. Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Ensure you clean under and around your bridge. Use floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth. A floss threader or super floss can assist in cleaning under the bridge.
2. Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular visits to our dentist in Henderson, NV for check-ups and professional cleanings. This helps in early detection of any issues and keeps your bridge and surrounding teeth healthy.
3. Watch What You Eat: Hard or sticky foods can damage your bridge. Limit your intake of foods like hard candy, caramel, and nuts.
4. Use Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce oral bacteria, preventing gum disease and decay.
5. Protect Your Teeth: If you grind or clench your teeth, consult our dentist about a night guard to protect both your natural teeth and the bridge.
6. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These habits can lead to gum disease, weakening the foundation (teeth or implants) that supports your bridge.
7. Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet provides essential nutrients for optimal gum health and supports the teeth holding the bridge.
8. Check for Looseness: If your bridge feels loose or uncomfortable, contact our dentist immediately. Avoid trying to adjust or fix it yourself.
9. Fluoride Treatment: Depending on your cavity risk, our dentist may recommend a fluoride gel or mouth rinse.
10. Antibacterial Gel: In certain cases, our dentist might suggest using an antibacterial gel under the bridge to minimize bacteria and food build-up.

Signs of Wear and Tear

It’s crucial to regularly monitor your dental bridges to detect signs of wear and tear early. Common signs that your dental bridge may need attention include:

• Loose or shifting bridge: If your dental bridge feels loose or shifts when biting or chewing, it may indicate that the cement holding it has worn off or there’s an issue with the underlying teeth or implants.
• Discomfort or pain: Sensitivity, pain, or discomfort while eating or biting can signal a problem with your dental bridge. It could be due to an ill-fitting bridge, decay underneath, or gum inflammation.
• Visible damage: Check your dental bridge for visible damage, such as cracks, chips, or fractures. Damaged areas can harbor bacteria and lead to further complications if untreated.
• Gum inflammation: Redness, swelling, or bleeding around the gum area adjacent to the dental bridge may indicate gum disease or an infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent further damage to your bridge and oral health.

Replacing Dental Bridges

Although dental bridges are durable, they may eventually need replacement due to wear and tear or changes in your dental condition.

Consultation

Schedule an appointment with our Henderson, NV dentist to assess your existing dental bridge and discuss your concerns. He’ll evaluate your oral health, examine the bridge, and determine if replacement is necessary.

Preparation

If replacement is advised, the dentist will prepare the supporting teeth or implants by removing the existing bridge. Additional procedures, such as root canal treatment or implant placement, might be needed to ensure optimal support for the new bridge.

Impressions

Impressions of your teeth and surrounding area will be taken to create a custom-made dental bridge matching your natural teeth in shape, size, and color. These impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication.

Temporary Bridge

While waiting for the permanent bridge to be fabricated, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect your teeth and maintain aesthetics.

Final placement

Once the new bridge is ready, it will be tested for fit, aesthetics, and functionality. Our dentist will ensure the bridge fits comfortably, aligns properly with your bite, and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Once everything is confirmed, the new bridge will be cemented or secured in place.

Frequently Asked Questions