Dental Bridge FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

If you are missing teeth, recently had a tooth extracted, or are not a candidate for a dental implant, a dental bridge is a great option to fill in the missing space. After this simple procedure, you will be able to talk, eat, and chew like normal. Consider the following frequently asked questions about dental bridges:

Why is a dental bridge important?

If you had a tooth extracted, it’s important to fill in the gap of the missing tooth. If you have teeth missing, your surrounding teeth will inevitably shift and your face shape may change. A dental bridge fixes this issue. Before your mouth and face start shifting to conform to the new space, a bridge can replace one or more teeth to restore your smile.

What is the lifespan of a dental bridge?

A dental bridge’s lifespan depends on how well the bridge and surrounding area has been maintained. The main culprit out to destroy bridges is tooth decay. If food or sticky substances are stuck between teeth for too long, tooth decay may form and negatively affect the natural, healthy teeth. When these teeth falter, the bridge also weakens. A major factor concerning how long a bridge lasts depends on how well the patient takes care of the bridge itself.

How do you clean a dental bridge?

To maximize the lifespan of a bridge, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. If you’d rather use a proxy brush instead of floss, this will also get hard-to-reach places. A floss threader is a useful tool to help thread floss under your bridge to clean it thoroughly. This is an important step because the most prone area for decay to form on a bridge is underneath (where it is most commonly neglected). Additionally, certain fruits and vegetables help your teeth and bridge remain strong. So, if possible, eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

One very important must-do to keep your bridge in excellent condition is regular cleanings with Dr. Strandburg. When you have regular cleanings, your teeth benefit from a deep cleaning that toothbrushes simply cannot accomplish.

Whether you need a dental bridge or a different dental procedure, contact our team today to schedule an appointment!