If you are considering replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge, you likely have many questions. One of them might be how long it will take you to get used to a dental bridge. While the answer can be different for everyone, the good news is that it’s a relatively short period of time for most people to get used to having the bridge as a permanent fixture in their mouth.
How Long Does It Take To Get Used To A Dental Bridge?
Think of your dental bridge as new hardware that has been added to your mouth. Of course, it’s going to change the way your entire mouth feels – especially when speaking, drinking, and eating. This is normal but temporary.
After getting a dental bridge, you may notice some tooth sensitivity in the surrounding areas, soreness while chewing, and even a difference in your bite. Although it’s easy to get discouraged, keep in mind that any discomfort you feel will usually resolve within a few days.
It typically takes about two weeks to get used to a dental bridge and for it to feel natural and comfortable in your mouth. However, the timeframe will also depend on the type of bridge you choose, your own body, and how well you take care of your teeth. If, after two weeks, your bridge still feels uncomfortable or loose, be sure to contact your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
What are the Pros and Cons of a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges offer faster treatment times than implants or some other treatments, long-term reliability, and an improved appearance. You only need a few dental visits to complete dental bridge treatment, and they can last for over a decade. Some of the significant drawbacks are that they aren’t quite as strong as dental implants and need a more involved treatment than just a partial denture.
Is the Dental Bridge Treatment Process Invasive?
No, the dental bridge placement process is a non-invasive treatment option. On the other hand, dental implants may require a minor dental surgical procedure for the placement of the implants. Whereas, a fixed dental bridge not supported by a dental implant only involves getting the abutment teeth ready, placing the dental crowns, and attaching the dental bridge. There is no surgery, no cutting, and no blood with dental implants.
Learn More About Dental Bridges at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
At Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry, we can help maintain and correct your smile. Our providers have many different treatment options we can offer you depending on your goals and your oral health.
Dental bridges, with or without implants, are a common and smart option for replacing missing teeth. If you’d like to learn more about them, get in touch with our office. While it may take a few days or a couple of weeks to get used to your new dental bridge, we are confident it will be worth the discomfort of this adjustment period.
Contact Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry today at 772.286.1606 or online to learn more about our dental bridge process.
TMJ is a common acronym for temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is found in front of the ears on both sides of the head. When injury or inflammation impacts this joint, it’s called temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or temporomandibular joint disorder.
Characterized by jaw pain and many other symptoms, TMJ disorder is a complicated dental and medical condition that typically varies from one patient to the next. If you suffer from TMD, you may wonder if and how it can be cured.
Treatment Options for TMJ
Many potential treatment options exist for TMJ. Some patients may only require self-care type treatments, and their condition will be cured, while others may need to try several treatment types or need invasive treatments to be cured. However, the National Institutes of Health brochure on TMJ highly recommends using only the most conservative, reversible treatments possible.
Here are some ways to treat TMJ disorders:
- Gentle therapies: These include eating only soft foods, massaging and stretching your jaw muscles, and applying warm or cold compresses to your face. Also, try to avoid symptom triggers, such as yawning, chewing gum, or singing.
- Over-the-counter medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can help manage TMJ pain.
- Other medications: Antidepressants, muscle relaxants, opioids, and anticonvulsants can help relieve pain or muscular spasms.
- Alternative therapies: Acupuncture and massage therapy can also help decrease pain and increase joint mobility.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): TENS uses electrical pulses to stimulate muscle contractions, which can relieve pain and stiffness.
- Orthodontic treatment: If misaligned teeth cause your TMJ pain, orthodontic treatment from an experienced orthodontist may help.
- Botox injections: Botox injections have been found to temporarily relax the jaw muscles to help decrease severe jaw pain in some patients.
- Arthroscopy surgery: This is the last option to cure TMJ permanently, but many experts don’t recommend it because it’s invasive.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ
Do Popping Jaw Joints Mean that I Have TMJ Disorder?
Possibly, as popping in the jaw joints is a common symptom of TMD. However, this type of popping can have possible other causes. Many people experience intermittent clicking of the jaw joints, so on its own, popping is not usually a concern.
The only way to identify if the jaw popping you have is a symptom of TMD is to consult with your dentist. If you have other related symptoms, including headaches or jaw pain, be sure to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.
How Long Must I Wear My TMJ Splint?
Typically, you shouldn’t wear your TMJ splint for more than six months since overuse may cause other issues. Your dentist may instruct you to use the splint all the time or only at night. Your treatment plan, including how long and how frequently to wear your TMJ splint, will depend on the alignment of your jaw and the severity of your individual symptoms.
TMJ Treatment at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
At Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry, we help patients with TMJ/TMD get their lives back with various treatment options. Our professionals can tell you which treatment options might work best for your situation. You can learn more on our website or call 772.286.1606 today to schedule an appointment.
While everyone can have a poor night’s sleep from time to time for one reason or another, people with sleep apnea experience extremely poor sleep nearly every night of their lives. There are many symptoms of sleep apnea; many are self-referred, while others, such as snoring or loud breathing, can only be identified by a partner or roommate. Everyone needs to understand the symptoms of sleep apnea and know what to do if they find themselves or a loved one experiencing them.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms
While typically characterized by loud snoring and daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea can have many other symptoms, including:
- Breathing pauses: You may wake up suddenly with jerking body movements, gasping, or choking
- Difficulty staying asleep: You may wake up frequently throughout the night, known as insomnia
- Night-waking: You may wake up gasping or choking, or you may wake up to urinate.
- Morning symptoms: You may wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat, or you may have morning headaches.
- Other symptoms: You may have difficulty focusing during the day, or you may experience mood changes, such as depression or being easily upset.
Loud snoring can indicate a potentially serious problem—however, not every individual who has sleep apnea snores. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of sleep apnea. If you experience any sleep problem that leaves you fatigued, sleepy, and irritable, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Does Sleep Apnea Require CPAP?
Only in some patients does sleep apnea treatment and prevention involve CPAP. Some patients will see their sleep apnea resolved with the use of an oral appliance or even small weight loss achievements. To determine which sleep apnea treatment is best for your situation, start by seeing a medical professional who is trained in sleep apnea treatments.
Sometimes, dentists are trained in sleep apnea prevention, such as using mouth guards. Mouth guards can help patients breathe easier at night as they may open the airway to a greater capacity.
Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
Sleep apnea is classified as a severe medical problem. Untreated, it can cause high blood pressure, raising the risks of heart failure and stroke. Sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue, which can result in problems at school or work, as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery.
It may also lead to complications with medication or surgery; sedation with anesthesia can be risky, as can lying flat in bed after an operation. If you know or think you might suffer from sleep apnea, be sure to tell your doctor before taking prescribed medications or having surgery.
Sleep Apnea Treatment at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
At Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry, our compassionate providers know how sleep apnea can impact every aspect of your life. If you are ready to explore sleep apnea treatment options, our experienced professionals are here for you. You can find more information on our website or call 772.286.1606 today to schedule an appointment.
A dental crown is one common restorative option for a tooth that has substantial decay or damage. A dental crown can often save the natural tooth, allowing the root to remain in place for support. They are effective for most patients in most cases, making them one of the most common restorative dental procedures.
However, some circumstances won’t allow a crown placement, such as if there is not enough tooth structure left to attach it securely. How much tooth structure is necessary for a crown? Here’s what you need to know before getting a dental crown.
Tooth Structure Required for a Crown
Having enough tooth structure is crucial for the long-term success of the crown. Without enough healthy tooth material, the crown may not be securely fitted and could potentially fail over time. Therefore, dentists must carefully evaluate the tooth’s size and condition before proceeding with crown placement. If you have minimal damage to the natural tooth, then you shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not a dental crown can be placed.
Most dentists agree that at least 2 millimeters of tooth structure, or about a quarter, is required to place a dental crown successfully. This means that at least one-quarter of the visible part of the tooth must be healthy enough to support the crown. If there isn’t enough, there may not be enough room for the restoration, or it could lead to complications such as fracture.
Treatment Options if the Tooth Structure is Too Small
If there isn’t enough tooth structure left after decay or damage to attach a crown, there are still other possible options:
Core Build-Up
A core build-up is a restorative dental procedure. The dentist uses special filling material to replace a missing tooth structure. As a result, the tooth can support a dental crown after a root canal. The dental provider may use tooth-colored composites which will help the new material blend in with your tooth’s coloring.
Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening is a procedure that removes gum tissue with the goal of exposing more tooth material. If there is not enough tooth structure above the gum line, the gum tissue can be gently removed until there is enough room to place a crown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Crowns are usually permanent, but normal wear and tear can compromise their structural integrity over time. Most crowns last between 10 and 15 years. However, they can last longer with good oral hygiene and routine check-ups at the dentist.
How Can I Make My Crowns Last Longer?
- Good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily
- Avoid biting your fingernails, chewing ice, using your teeth to open packages, and grinding or clenching your teeth
- If you grind your teeth, invest in a night guard
- See a dentist at least every six months for a check-up
Dental Crowns at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
At Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry, we offer many tooth replacement options to fit your needs. Our professionals can tell you if you are a good candidate for a dental crown or if another option would work better for your mouth. You can learn more on our website or call 772.286.1606 today to schedule an appointment.
Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that are permanently bonded to teeth. They are one of the most popular restorative dentistry solutions because of how durable and long-lasting they are. A dental crown essentially covers a tooth like a cap, preventing the tooth from direct contact with anything. Dental crowns can be an ideal solution if your tooth has been severely damaged in an accident, while playing sports, or has become eroded or infected.
Traditionally, crowns are made of silver, but more recently, there are tooth-colored crowns as well. Crowns can provide durable and dependable protection for your tooth while still looking completely natural. Crowns are an ideal restorative solution that will last for years. However, they can break just like a natural tooth can, so they require care.
How Long Do Traditional Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last between five and 15 years on average. With proper care, some may last between 25 and 30 years.
Signs that a dental crown needs to be replaced include:
- A receding gumline around the crown
- Pain, swelling, or irritation at or around the crown site
- Damage or wear to the crown
- A crown that is no longer aesthetically pleasing
- A crown that’s been in place for at least ten years
- A loose crown
- Sensitivity to hot and cold at the crown site or underneath it
Extending the Life Expectancy of Your Dental Crown
The good news is that there are steps you can take to increase the life expectancy of your crown. These steps include the following:
- Brushing your teeth and flossing two or more times per day, especially after meals
- Eating the right foods, which aren’t too hard or tough
- Getting regular professional dental checkups and cleanings
- Using a night guard to prevent teeth grinding during sleep and subsequent potential damage to your crown
- If you play sports, wearing a mouthguard to protect your crown
- Avoiding actions like biting on a pencil or chewing ice
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns
Is it Painful to Have a Crown Placed?
For most patients, it doesn’t hurt to get a dental crown placed, but each patient is different. Some won’t have any discomfort at all, and others may have some hot/cold sensitivity. If you’re concerned about any discomfort or pain, let your dental staff know. They will do all they can to ensure a comfortable experience while having your crown placed.
How Many Appointments Does a Crown Placement Require?
Dental crowns typically require two visits to the dentist’s office unless you are having a CEREC crown placed. The first appointment is when your tooth will be prepped for the crown. Your dentist will take molds to create a permanent crown and place a temporary crown. During the second appointment, your dentist will ensure your crown is fitted correctly and cement it in place.
Dental Crowns at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
Residents throughout the Stuart, FL area rely on the professionals at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry for their restorative dentistry needs. We are experienced professionals who can help if you need or are considering a dental crown. Visit our website for more information, or call 772.286.1606 to schedule an appointment.
The temporomandibular joint, commonly called the TMJ, connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the bone on the side of the head (temporal bone). The joint allows the jaw to move from side to side, as well as up and down.
A variety of physical problems such as teeth grinding, injury, infection, or surgery may cause problems with this joint. TMJ disorders can also result from autoimmune diseases, degenerative conditions, or environmental factors. If you suffer from TMJ issues, you may be wondering how you can relieve the pain.
Common TMJ Disorder Symptoms
Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include any or all of the following:
- Pain located in the jaw or back teeth
- Headaches or migraines
- Ear, neck, or backache
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Joint movement restriction
- Tinnitus, or “ringing in the ears.”
- A clicking or popping sound when chewing or speaking
What You Can Do to Relieve TMJ Pain
Thankfully, there are several options available today for treating TMJ, also known as TMD (temporomandibular disorder) pain. Some minor lifestyle changes can significantly decrease the painful effects that TMDs have on those suffering mild-to-moderate symptoms. These include the following:
- Avoid gum and other chewy foods to reduce jaw movements
- Don’t put any unnecessary pressure on the jaw
- Massage affected muscles in the painful areas
- Wear a mouthguard at night to prevent teeth grinding.
- Perform gentle at-home exercises for pain relief (see below)
Thankfully, most cases of TMD are mild and manageable, but in some patients, it can be severe and long-term, requiring more than just home treatment. If these steps don’t help relieve TMJ-related pain, contact your dentist or doctor as soon as possible. In more severe cases, steroid injections, physical therapy, or surgery might be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions about TMJ
Are there home remedies for TMD?
While there are definitely treatments that TMD patients can try at home to adequately address this condition and ensure it doesn’t cause more severe and permanent health issues, professional treatment is necessary. While many home remedies can help manage the symptoms of TMD, they shouldn’t be relied upon to treat it.
What exercises can help relieve TMD pain?
Many exercises may help relieve your jaw pain. Here are a few examples of the most common TMD exercises to help with pain:
- Apply downward pressure on your lower teeth using one hand while simultaneously exerting upward pressure with your jaw.
- Position your thumb beneath your chin and gently press on the chin bone. Gradually open your mouth, resisting the pressure from your thumb.
- Cross your arms over your chest, placing a hand on each shoulder. Tilt your head backward and then to the right, followed by switching to the opposite side.
- Rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth and slowly open your jaw without displacing your tongue.
Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry: Your Partners in TMJ Treatment
The professionals at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry know how TMJ can impact every area of your life. If you are ready to explore your pain relief and treatment options, our experienced professionals are here for you. You can find more information on our website, or call 772.286.1606 today to schedule an appointment.
Teeth are an important part of the human anatomy as they not only help with aesthetics but make it possible to chew food. Considering this, any dental problem can be concerning and scary. But how do you know what a true dental emergency is? Should you call your dentist right away for the slightest ache or pain? It’s essential to understand what is considered a dental emergency and what is not.
Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is any dental problem that requires immediate dental or medical attention. But not all dental issues are emergencies. If you experience bleeding that won’t stop, pain that doesn’t improve with medication, or broken facial bones, you will need dental emergency care.
If you have severe dental pain or have lacerated your gums, cheeks, or tongue, this is a dental emergency. When you call our office we can get you in, so you can receive treatment as soon as possible.
You will also need immediate care for the following types of dental emergencies:
- Severe toothache
- Dental abscess
- Loose tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- A broken tooth or large piece of tooth is missing
- Large crack or chip in a tooth
- A partially dislodged tooth
If you experience dental trauma outside of regular office hours, your first call should still be to our office emergency line. The sooner you seek dental care, the less likely you will need expensive dental restorations in the future.
What Isn’t a Dental Emergency?
Other dental issues can still need dental care or follow-up but are not emergencies. These include problems like:
- Lost filling, crown, or bridge
- Dull or mild toothache
- Food lodged between teeth that can’t be removed
- A small chip or crack in a tooth
- Minor soft tissue injury (like a small sore or cut)
- Broken braces
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
What Can You Do for a Toothache?
Toothaches are frequently caused by food caught between teeth. As such, flossing can sometimes help provide relief from mild toothaches. Swishing with warm water may also help. If the pain doesn’t subside or you have additional symptoms, schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist. The sooner you act, the less invasive the treatment that may be required.
What Should You Do for a Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth?
If you suffer or notice that you have a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth, it’s best to call our 24-hour emergency dentist as soon as possible. You can also rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to your cheek to decrease pain. Whatever you do, do NOT put crushed aspirin on your tooth, as doing so can damage your gums and enamel.
Dental Emergency? Call Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
If you have a dental emergency that is listed here or a problem you are unsure about, be sure to call Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry. In addition to treating dental emergencies, our dentist can also help you prevent dental emergencies from occurring in the first place. For instance, sports dental injuries can be avoided with custom mouthguards.
To learn more about the emergency and other services we provide, contact us today at 772.286.1606 or request an appointment online.
Dental crowns are excellent options when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to accept a filling for treatment. Since a dental crown works like a cover or cap placed over an existing tooth, it typically requires some portion of the original tooth to attach so that it stays in place.
What happens if there’s not enough of the natural tooth to keep a crown in place? There are treatment alternatives with specialized dental care.
How Much of a Tooth is Required for a Dental Crown?
Every mouth and situation is different. In general, however, a minimum of a quarter of the visible part of the tooth is required to support a dental crown. If there’s not enough of the natural tooth present, additional steps will be necessary to provide a foundation that can hold the crown in place.
When Not Enough Natural Tooth is Present
The following may be options if not enough of the natural tooth is present for a dental crown:
- Rebuilding the tooth – If just slightly more tooth structure is required to support a crown, a dentist may be able to reconstruct the natural tooth with a composite material— the same used for dental fillings.
- Post-and-core foundation – If the natural tooth isn’t stable enough for a crown, a metal post can be used to help hold the crown in place. Your dentist will clean out the decayed area of the tooth. Then, they will cement a metal post into the root of the tooth and place the dental crown on top of it.
- Dental implant – For individuals with severe decay or damage, a dental implant may be recommended to replace the natural tooth entirely. With this option, the dentist extracts or removes the natural tooth, then implants a metal post into the jawbone to help support the crown.
- Dental bridge – Your dentist will extract the damaged or decayed tooth for this procedure. However, with a dental bridge, an artificial tooth is used to fill the gap. Other teeth or dental implants hold the artificial tooth in place. In some cases, dental bridges may be used to treat multiple damaged or missing teeth, which is beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Do Dental Crowns Hurt?
No, dental crowns don’t typically cause pain. Your dentist will numb your mouth during the crown placement process to ensure you don’t notice any pain or discomfort when your tooth is trimmed to make room for your crown.
How Long Does It Take to Recover After Crown Placement?
After a crown placement, you won’t need any “down time.” Crowns are a non-surgical solution and don’t cause any serious pain or discomfort, allowing you to get back to your regular daily routine right away without taking time off work or adjusting your schedule.
Dental Crowns at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
To learn more about dental crowns and other services at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry, contact us today at 772.286.1606 or request an appointment online. We can offer many modern solutions for your cosmetic dentistry needs.
Strengthening a weak or decaying tooth isn’t an easy job, but dental crowns are often the first line of defense for this task. In the silhouette of your natural tooth, they essentially “cap” your existing tooth and create a sturdy barrier that protects it and the root from further damage.
Unfortunately, the tooth underneath is still vulnerable and may develop a crack. While you won’t be able to see it with the naked eye, there are some indications that may alert you. Recognizing those signs can help you take action.
What Are the Signs of a Cracked Tooth?
Since you can’t visibly detect a crack when it’s covered by a crown, you should be mindful of these symptoms that may indicate a potential problem. Keep in mind that it’s possible to get a cavity under a crown, so just because you experience one or more of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean that your tooth is cracked.
- Difficulty Eating: Take note if you experience sudden discomfort whenever you chew or bite with that tooth. Deep in the core of the tooth is the pulp, home to blood vessels and nerves. Cracks cause the tooth’s outer layers to shift slightly, which can irritate the pulp when you eat.
- Extreme Sensitivity: Sensitivity to any type of extreme, whether it’s too hot, too cold, too spicy, too sweet, or too sour, could indicate a crack. When these substances come into contact with the pulp, the nerves generate a pain response. It may be quick but uncomfortable, or it may linger the deeper the crack grows.
- Toothache and Swelling: Bacteria can seep inside the tooth and reach the pulp, leading to a toothache. Left unresolved, the gum tissue around the affected tooth could develop inflammation and pain. Watch for redness and swelling, both of which could be suggestive of a tooth crack beneath the crown.
What Causes a Cracked Tooth Under a Crown?
Don’t assume that the crown provides an impermeable shield for your tooth. Remember that this tooth is naturally weak, and while the crown is extremely strong the covered tooth is still vulnerable to damage. These are some of the possible culprits that could lead to a crack.
- Tooth Grinding: It’s ironic that you may need a crown in the first place if you grind your teeth — but if that habit continues, you may eventually develop a crack. This is due to the repeated pressure exerted on the top and bottom that eventually causes both your natural tooth and the crown to wear down.
- Root Canal: While a root canal is a restorative procedure, it does mean that the tooth is ultimately more brittle. Part of the treatment involves reshaping the tooth, which takes away from its natural structure and leaves it in a weaker state. If you’ve had a root canal and now have a crown, the tooth may be more susceptible to cracking simply because it’s no longer as resilient as it once was.
- Hard Objects: Biting down on anything hard has the potential to cause a cracked tooth. Avoiding sticky and tough foods like ice, nuts, caramel, hard candy, and animal bones is key.
What Kinds of Tooth Cracks Can Happen?
There are a few different types of cracks that can develop on a tooth under a crown. Some are so minimal that they may not produce symptoms, while others are far more severe.
Cusp Fracture
If a portion of your tooth’s chewing surface breaks away, you may experience mild difficulty biting. The damage could also increase your likelihood of developing a cavity. While a damaged cusp doesn’t usually cause pain, your orthodontist may replace or repair the crown to prevent worsening problems.
Cracked Tooth
Sometimes the fracture extends beyond the chewing surface and makes its way down to the base near the root. This kind of crack is more painful than a cusp fracture, and is more likely to hurt when you chew or eat something especially hot or cold.
Split Tooth
A damaged tooth is naturally more vulnerable to splitting into two pieces. Because the breakage leaves your gums at risk, you might experience pain and even develop an infection if it’s left untreated. Typically, orthodontists advise extraction because split teeth aren’t typically reparable.
What Should You Do if You Suspect a Broken Crowned Tooth?
While it’s important to see your orthodontist promptly if you have pain on a crowned tooth, there are some things you can try at home to get some temporary relief.
- Rinsing with warm salt water has an anti-inflammatory effect and may help alleviate some of the pain. Fill a cup with warm water, add half a teaspoon of salt, and stir. Swish this blend in your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds throughout the day.
- Taking an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen may also be useful, so long as your provider has approved you to do so.
- Applying a cool compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area may bring some relief and help you relax. The reduced temperature constricts the blood vessels, which brings down inflammation and eases pain.
Treating a Cracked Crowned Tooth at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
Patients throughout Stuart, FL, rely on the professionals at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry for their oral care needs. If you suspect that you have a cracked tooth underneath your crown, you can trust in us to diagnose and resolve the problem. Visit our website for more information, or call 772.286.1606 to schedule an appointment.
Whether you already have a dental bridge or are considering getting one to replace a missing tooth or teeth, it’s important to understand when they may need to be removed. Dental bridges can and may actually need to be removed for several reasons. In some cases, your dentist may be able to recement them and reuse the same bridge.
What is a Bridge?
A bridge uses crowns that are attached to existing teeth on either side of the gap or to dental implants. The dentist places a false tooth, known as a pontic, between the crowns that fill in the space left by the missing tooth or teeth. Unlike removable options like full or partial dentures, a dental bridge is a permanent dental restoration treatment for replacing missing teeth.
When Does a Dental Bridge Need to be Removed?
Dental bridges can be a reliable and effective solution for many individuals. Still, some situations may require bridge removal. Dental bridges may need to be removed in cases of:
Tooth Decay
If the natural teeth underneath the crowns begin to decay, it can compromise the bridge’s stability. Improperly fitting bridges can result in the buildup of tartar and calculus beneath the crowns, causing damage to the supporting teeth. In these cases, the bridge may need to be removed and replaced.
Gum Disease
Unfortunately, dental bridges can increase the risk of gingivitis or periodontitis. Regular dental cleanings, proper oral hygiene, and early detection can prevent or resolve mild gum disease without removing the bridge. On the other hand, advanced gum disease may require bridge removal.
Cracks in Crowns or False Tooth
Bridge removal will likely be necessary if cracks or fractures develop in the crowns or the false tooth between them. The good news is that dentists can sometimes repair minor cracks without removing the entire bridge. Still, significant damage to any bridge component will require its removal.
Removal of a Bridge
Loose or poorly fitting bridges can be easily removed and re-cemented. However, if your dentist needs to remove your bridge to address periodontitis or tooth decay under a crown, the strong bond created by dental cement can make removal difficult.
The dentist may need to use a drill, and the bridge might not be re-cementable. If this happens, your dentist may recommend a new bridge or alternative solutions like dental implants.
If you experience any issues with your dental bridge, consult your dentist promptly. They will be able to assess the problem and determine the appropriate course of action. Keep in mind that early intervention can prevent further complications and ensure the best possible dental health outcome.
Dental Bridges at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
Dental bridges can and may need to be removed and sometimes recemented depending on an individual’s situation. At Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry, we offer many options to replace missing teeth and improve your smile. We can discuss your options for a dental bridge or help care for any current bridges you might already have.
To learn more about your providers and services, contact us today at 772.286.1606 or request an appointment online.