Do you ever wonder what happens in a dental office when you have an appointment for dental bridges in Markham, ON? Technically, the very first visit should not be the same day you get to replace your teeth with dental bridges.

What Are Dental Bridges?

They are oral appliances for replacing missing teeth. A traditional tooth bridge features an artificial tooth called a pontic and two dental crowns. Ideally, the two dental crowns support the artificial tooth by seeking anchorage from the adjacent teeth. Depending on the number of teeth you have lost, you can have a dental bridge with 1 to 3 artificial teeth. Any more than 4 missing teeth are better replaced by dentures.

What Happens When You Visit A Dentist For Dental Bridges?

When you first walk into our clinics at 14th Avenue Dentistry, you undergo a comprehensive dental exam with one of our dentists. The role of the exam is to evaluate your oral cavity and identify all the underlying oral problems. Besides, the dentist must check the health of your gum and jawbone before proceeding with any dental bridge treatment. After a comprehensive dental exam, the dentist comes up with a treatment plan for installing the dental bridges. Part of the treatment plan entails preparing your adjacent teeth. Your dentist will prepare them by trimming the tooth enamel, creating ample space to befit a dental crown. The preparation occurs for one or two teeth adjacent to the missing one. Next, the dentist will take the impressions of your mouth to create a mold that will help design perfectly fitting dental bridges. Afterward, your dentist will place temporary dental crowns on the prepared teeth, then discharge you and book you in for a different appointment. Meanwhile, your dentist will be preparing your dental bridge in a laboratory, which can take about two weeks. Once your dental bridges are ready, you will come in for the installation process. It is by far the quickest part of that entire process of missing teeth replacement with dental bridges. It entails using dental cement on the dental bridge to adhere it to the natural tooth structure. Usually, dentists use lasers to cure dental cement and strengthen the bond.

Is The Process Painful?

Technically, you shouldn’t be describing a dental bridge procedure as painful. However, you will experience discomfort when the dentist is preparing your natural teeth to receive the dental crowns. Usually, dentists employ local anesthesia to numb your mouth beforehand.

Will the Dental Bridges Fit Well?

Dental bridges are customized for a perfect fit. During the installation process, the dentist will check the fit of your dental bridge before discharging you from the clinic. You must also communicate if you experience discomfort with your new artificial teeth. Still, you will experience an uneven bite during the first few days of having dental bridges. The reason is that your mouth will detect them as foreign objects. Therefore, you need some time to get used to them. As you continue to eat and speak normally, the bridgework will become a perfect fit for your oral cavity.

How Long Will the Dental Bridge Last?

A typical dental bridge can last between 10 and 15 years. However, some patients have kept their bridges for longer than that period. It depends on how well you care for your oral health after getting dental bridges.

Tips to Make Your Dental Bridges Serve You Longer

First, understand that dental bridges are not meant to last forever. They cannot rival natural teeth, so do not expect them to last a lifetime. However, here are a few tricks to help you get the most of your dental bridges before you need retreatment:

1. Keep up with excellent oral hygiene – there is no point in life where you are allowed to slack in oral hygiene. Instead, brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily.
2. Visit your dentist regularly – you will benefit from routine dental exams and cleanings.
3. Avoid hard and crunchy foods – they can easily break and damage your dental bridges.
4. Use the right cleaning products – ask your dentist for recommendations regarding the best mouthwash, toothpaste, dental floss, and brush for cleaning your dental bridges.