Dental bridges are a popular restorative dentistry procedure that can assist those who have trouble chewing or speaking due to missing teeth. No matter if you are replacing one or multiple teeth, bridges can be the perfect solution for you and your dental health. While most treatments are successful, having a plan can guarantee an even bigger chance of benefiting from dental bridges. Let’s go over preparing for dental bridges.
Preparing for Dental Bridges
Below, our dentist in Upland will give you some of the best tips to take heed of when preparing for dental bridges. It is important to schedule a consultation with your dentist about dental bridges before the procedure. So you know exactly what to expect throughout the entire process.
Step 1: Consultation
During your initial visit to the dentist, you will assess your dental needs in detail. The dentist will do a full examination of your mouth to determine what type of damage you are suffering from. And whether or not you could benefit from a dental bridges treatment. If you do not end up being a good candidate for bridges, you may qualify for implants or dentures.
After your dentist decides that you need a bridge, you will then choose what type of dental bridge will work best for your mouth. Some are supported by implants and crowns. Others are simply placed between two teeth to “bridge” a gap in the mouth.
Step 2: Prepping the Area
Before scheduling your dental bridges procedure, you may need to do a little bit of prep work. This might involve tooth extraction or the removal of enamel layers from the tooth. This is to make enough space that will be supported by the crowns or bridges being installed there.
During the preparation phase, you will also be able to speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have about getting dental bridges. If you also plan to get dental implants in the future, you will also have to undergo oral surgery, requiring you to have full anesthesia. You can speak with your doctor about how to best prepare the mouth for this kind of treatment.
Step 3: Bridge Placement
Once your mouth has been fully prepared, it is time for your bridge placement. This procedure typically requires a local anesthesia, but you do not need to be fully unconscious. The dental bridge does not take too long to place, adding support and comfort to your mouth. After the bridge has been placed, the dentist will secure it with dental cement that fixes the bridge in place for many years.
Step 4: Recovery
Results are seen almost immediately after the procedure is complete. You may experience a little bit of pain and discomfort in the treatment area for a few days while healing. It might be a good idea to take some time off of work and give your body some rest. Swelling and inflammation in the mouth and cheeks should subside within a week. The bridge might be initially difficult to get used to, but after some time it will feel like a natural part of your mouth.
Step 5: Enjoy the Benefits of Dental Bridges!
Dental bridges are built to give you support in areas where you are dealing with gaps of missing or broken teeth. The longer you wait to restore functionality to your mouth, the worse your dental health can get over time. Instead of struggling with the inability to chew, swallow, speak, and even smile, you can invest in dental bridges in Upland to make your mouth feel just like new.
Get in touch with our smile experts at My Dentist Upland today to learn more about your treatment options. You deserve to put your oral health first!