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A dental bridge is an oral prosthesis that is used to fill the space left by a missing tooth that a person has lost to an accident or to decay. This device can be the long-dreamed-of solution to regaining a winning, confident smile. It will also benefit a person’s dental health by keeping their remaining teeth in proper position.
Dental bridge care ranks at the highest level of importance for those who want their bridges to last 8-10 years as intended. It is essential for patients who wear bridges to keep their adjacent teeth and gums healthy in order to maintain support for the bridge.
In the beginning, it is often difficult for patients to keep their bridges, teeth, and gums clean and plaque free. However, there are a number of tools and methods that can be learned which will maximize the effectiveness of dental bridge care.
Basics
1. Patients should avoid chewing hard food or candy. Individuals should never chew on ice.
2. Patients with Bruxism need to talk to their Houston Dentist about getting a prosthetic aid to stop tooth grinding.
3. A daily examination of teeth should be performed in the mirror to check for any plaque build-up between teeth and gums. If plaque is discovered, a tooth cleaning should be scheduled. It is NOT recommended that patients try removing this with a sharp object themselves.
4. Severe pain, unusual sensitivity, or discomfort must be reported to the dentist immediately.
Brushing and Flossing
Patients are advised to brush and floss their teeth as usual after every meal. Patients should also make certain they have brushed and flossed the abutment teeth.
Patients should also floss the teeth and the bridge using superfloss and a floss threader. This will keep the area between the artificial tooth and the gums free from plaque. Superfloss is distinguished by its stiff end that helps it pass through tight areas. Superfloss also has a fuzzy middle section that does the actual plaque and food particle removal. The superfloss is inserted between the bridge and gums, and then the area is flossed completely.
A floss threader should be used for this. A floss threader has a thin, stiff end and a loop that the superfloss is threaded through. About 18 inches of floss should be pulled through the loop of the threader, and the thin end of the threader should be inserted between the bride and gums. The threader should be pulled all the way through to the other side until the floss is squarely under the dental bridge. Then, remove the threader from the floss and use the floss as intended.
Other Tools and Techniques
Patients may need to use additional tools and dental bridge care methods if so determined by their Houston cosmetic dentist. Such tools and methods may need to be used to ensure that areas around the bridge remain free from plaque buildup. These tools include oral irrigators, small brushes, and other devices.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont, Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic dentistry services.
Houston dentists strongly recommend routine dental checkups to make sure the bridge is in top condition. This, combined with sound home care, will maximize the longevity and effectiveness of the dental bridge.
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