Dental Bridge Recovery and Aftercare
At Verde Pointe Dental Associates, we want to make sure patients understand all phases of treatment. This is why Dr. Kirk Kimmerling and Dr. Garrick McGrath always let patients know what to expect after they undergo a dental procedure. Understanding the recovery and aftercare process allows patients to feel a greater sense of control over their dental health.
For people who are missing a tooth, our Marietta, GA dentistry center often recommends dental bridges to restore the health and function of a smile. Let’s consider how a dental bridge is placed and what patients can expect during the recovery process.
How Dental Bridges Are Placed
A traditional dental bridge is a false tooth that is bookend by a pair of dental crowns. The teeth adjacent to the tooth gap are carefully prepped so that they can be capped by these dental crowns. When in place, the bridge appears just like you natural teeth, and it is held securely by the crowns.
Soreness and Discomfort
Since a bridge involves crowns being placed, the capped teeth adjacent to the tooth gap will be a bit sore and sensitive. This is normal, and it fill fade day by day as a patient recovers. The soreness is not enough to keep a patient from returning to work the day after the bridge has been placed, though patients should make sure they do not place excessive stress or discomfort on their teeth as they recover.
Adjusting Your Diet
After getting a dental bridge, it’s a good idea to adjust your diet to prevent discomfort. For the first few days after getting a dental crown, stick to soft foods. Avoid any crunchy, crispy, or tough food items until you can comfortable apply biting pressure on the crown.
Our Marietta dental center also recommends patients stick with lukewarm or room temperature foods and beverages. Hot or cold food items tend cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Regular oral hygiene is essential for successful treatment, so be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss at least once a day. Ideally, you’ll want to brush and floss after every meal.
When cleaning the dental bridge itself, apply gentle pressure for the first few days. Avoiding pulling or tugging with the floss to avoid pain and to make sure the bridge remains securely in place. If you have a proxybrush or a water flossing system, these can both be very helpful for good oral hygiene moving forward.
Avoid Smoking and Chewing Tobacco
Smoking and chewing tobacco can negatively affect the healing process after any kind of dental or medical procedure. They also increase chances of gum disease and tooth decay. Consider kicking these habits for good.
Avoid Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages similarly have a negative effect on recovery. Avoid alcoholic beverages for a week or so after getting a bridge placed, and limit your consumption of alcohol afterward.
Attend Follow-Up Visits as Scheduled
There will be a few follow-up visits at our practice to see how you’re adjusting to the bridge. Attend all of these visits as scheduled, and make sure to bring up issues you may have had since your last visit.
Reach Out to Our Practice If Issues Arise
Sometimes problems arise during recovery. Rather than waiting for your next follow-up visit, you can contact our Marietta dental center so your issues can be addressed in a timely manner.
Learn More About Dental Bridges
For more information about dental bridges and how they can help you experience improved dental health, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. The team at Verde Pointe Dental Associates is here to help. We can be reached by phone at (770) 423-4900.
