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. Dr. Karpovich helps patients get the oral health care they need by considering their goals, dental history, and budget.
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 Bridges: 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 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.
Treatment with Dental Bridges in Timonium
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 properly create your crowns or implants.
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 support implant-secured dental bridges.
Caring for Dental Bridges
Your mouth will feel numb after treatment, so 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, which should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration.
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 properly floss under and around it. 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.
How often should I clean my dental bridge?
Just like with your normal teeth, you need to thoroughly clean your dental bridge at least twice a day. 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. Call (410) 221-3085 for an appointment. You may also schedule a consultation with Dr. Karpovich on our website.