Are you missing multiple consecutive teeth? Receive a dental bridge in Dr. Paul Karpovich’s Timonium, MD, dental office. Dental bridges are restorative dentistry restorations that “bridge the gap” between missing and remaining natural teeth. Dental bridges can make it easier to speak, bite, and chew.
Dr. Karpovich helps patients get the oral health care they need by considering their goals, dental history, and budget. He will work with you to determine if dental bridge treatment suits you.
Types of Dental Bridges from Paul W. Karpovich, DDS, P.A.
Dr. Karpovich offers fixed and removable dental bridges to patients with multiple missing teeth. He will work with you to determine whether you would benefit more from a fixed bridge or a removable bridge:
- Fixed Dental Bridges: A fixed dental bridge stays in place. Fixed bridges may use crown-capped teeth or implants. We recommend securing dental bridges with dental implants because they provide more structural support. Dental implants require less maintenance and permanently secure the dental bridge restoration.
- Removable Dental Bridges: Although less costly upfront, removable dental bridges are not as stable as fixed bridges. Removable dental bridges are also not as permanent as fixed bridges. A removable bridge fits over the natural teeth. You must remove these bridges daily for cleaning.
Receiving a Dental Bridge in Timonium, MD
We will refer you to a dental specialist if you require dental implants to secure your dental bridge. Dr. Karpovich will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap for more traditional dental bridges by removing a small part of the enamel. He takes dental impressions of your teeth to create your crowns or implants properly.
Dental crowns provide a stable bite and support to natural teeth. Two adjacent teeth support a traditional dental bridge and require dental crowns to secure the bridge. Strategically placed dental implants may also support implant-secured dental bridges. Dr. Karpovich will determine if you are a candidate for implant treatment before you receive your restoration.
Good implant candidates have enough jaw bone to support their implants and are in good oral health. Dr. Karpovich may recommend bone grafting to provide sufficient bone where needed. To begin treatment with implant bridges, we will refer you to a local oral surgeon who will place the implants. The oral surgeon will place the titanium implants and provide healing caps over the implants.
The dental implants will take 3 to 6 months to fuse with the jaw bone. Then, once your implants are fully healed, we will take dental impressions to create your dental bridge. We send these impressions to a dental lab, where technicians craft the bridges from porcelain ceramic materials.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge in Timonium, MD
Your mouth will feel numb after treatment. Refrain from eating hot foods or drinking hot beverages until the numbness has worn off. Avoid eating sticky and hard foods, as this can damage the restoration. You may experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity. This sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration.
It will take time to get accustomed to your new bridge. On average, getting used to your new routine of eating, speaking, and brushing can take two weeks.
If you have a bridge secured by crowns, you must take extra care to floss beneath your bridge. Interdental cleaners can help remove bacteria from beneath bridges. You can care for implant-supported bridges as you would natural teeth. Gently brushing and flossing twice a day will keep your restoration clean.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Both removable and fixed dental bridges are popular solutions to replace missing teeth. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How long until my dental bridge feels normal?
It takes some time to adjust to the new appliance in your mouth. It usually takes around two weeks for the dental bridge to feel normal. After this, your mouth is used to it, and you won’t even be able to tell that it’s a foreign object in your mouth.
How long do I have to wait to eat normally after getting a bridge?
Stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours after getting the dental bridge. Take time for it to settle in and for you to adjust to the restoration. You can slowly start introducing more solid foods after this period.
Are dental bridges hard to clean?
With a bridge fixed with dental implants, you can brush and floss as you normally would. We may need to show you new techniques and provide you with tools to floss under and around it properly. You have to clean them separately from the rest of your teeth for removable bridges. They require special soaks and brushes to ensure they’re cleaned properly.
Do dental bridges smell?
If your dental bridge smells, you haven’t been cleaning it properly. Food debris and bacteria build up and get trapped around the structure. It needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure this doesn’t happen. Not only can this cause an unpleasant smell and taste, but it can also lead to further oral health problems.
Do bridges look natural?
Yes, dental bridges can look very natural! Dentists use high-quality materials, like porcelain or ceramic, that match the color and shape of your natural teeth. The bridge is custom-made to blend in with your smile, so most people won’t even notice you have it.
Your dentist will take measurements and choose a shade that closely matches your other teeth. Once the bridge is in place, it will blend in with your natural teeth.
Are dental bridges removable?
Unlike traditional dentures, bridges are fixed in place with the support of natural teeth or implants. Removing a bridge requires special tools and techniques to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. Our dentist might need to remove a bridge if it’s damaged, if there’s decay under it, or if it no longer fits well. After removing the bridge, our dentist will discuss your options for repairing or replacing it to keep your smile healthy and looking good.
How often should I clean my dental bridge?
Like normal teeth, you must thoroughly clean your dental bridge at least twice daily. If you aren’t immediately able to clean it after you eat, do your best to rinse your mouth out with water around the bridge. Do your best to ensure that food doesn’t linger around the structure.
Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Patients eligible for a dental bridge are missing one or multiple consecutive teeth. We recommend using dental implants to support the bridge whenever possible, but not all patients can get implants. If you can’t get implants, we need two healthy teeth on either side to support the dental bridge. We’ll evaluate thoroughly to determine your eligibility for a dental bridge.
Restore Your Smile Today
Do you want to restore your smile? Are you looking for a stable and secure restoration? Try treatment with a dental bridge in Timonium, MD. Call (410) 221-3085 for an appointment. You may also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Karpovich on our website.