Dental Bridges Weatherford

Can you take out a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is designed to serve as a long-term solution to treat tooth loss. It is held in place by bonding dental crowns to the adjacent teeth. Therefore, you cannot remove it on your own. Only a trained dental professional can take out a bridge. If you are interested in a removable option, ask your dentist about the benefits of a partial denture.

How long should a dental bridge last?

On average, the lifespan of a bridge is 10 to 15 years; however, it’s not uncommon for it to last much longer with the right care. Various factors affect the longevity of the restoration, like the materials used and the number of teeth being replaced. You can get the most out of your investment by committing to your oral hygiene. Brush, floss, and use a daily mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks to avoid tooth decay. Your dentist will recommend breaking any bad habits that can compromise your smile, like smoking, using your teeth to open bottles and packaging, or chewing on inedible objects. Don’t forget to schedule a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. Your dentist will check your bridge at your yearly exam to ensure it is functioning as intended and there aren’t any concerns.

Are dental bridges covered by insurance?

Every dental plan is unique, but most insurance policies can be used to offset the cost of the treatment. Often, you can use your coverage for the consultation or any preparatory procedures, like tooth extractions or gum disease therapy. You can also use your dental insurance to lower the cost of the restoration. Although every situation differs, your benefits may pay 50% to 80% of the cost after meeting your deductible. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage. They will review your payment options for any remaining balance to keep a complete smile within your budget.

Do dental bridges feel natural?

It will take a few days to get used to your bridge, but it will feel natural in no time at all. Your dentist uses advanced technology to recreate the portions of your lost teeth above the gumline. With dental crowns anchoring the restoration in place, you won’t have to worry about any slipping or irritation. Your bridge will fit your smile like a glove, so you can eat, speak, and smile without any discomfort.

Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?

When supervised by a qualified dentist, the process of getting a dental bridge doesn’t hurt. It won’t cause any pain to your teeth, gums, or other mouth tissues.

Indeed, the dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic before treatment. This step ensures you won’t feel anything as your abutments are prepared. At the very most, you’ll only sense some pressure as the dental team works on your smile.

Your teeth may feel slightly sensitive after your bridge treatment. Even then, any soreness you experience will be mild and fade within a few days. You can also manage the ache with over-the-counter medications.

Are Dental Bridges Safe?

As it happens, yes – dental bridges are safe when placed by experienced dentists. They won’t damage your smile or any other body part.

Note that modern dental bridges are toxin-free. Metal ones don’t contain mercury, and those made of ceramic and zirconia have no side effects either. The most their material could do is cause a minor allergic reaction, and even that effect is extremely unlikely.

Of course, these points don’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Call us right away if you experience irritation, redness, or swelling near your bridge; you may be having an allergic reaction.

Do Dental Bridges Look Natural?

At our office, dental bridges look very natural and lifelike. You can trust them to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and not draw unwanted attention.

We offer metal-free bridges made from ceramic and other tooth-colored materials. As such, these devices mimic the shade of your enamel; even light bounces off of them in the same way. The result is that your treatment results should blend harmoniously with the rest of your smile.

Furthermore, don’t forget that dental bridges are fixed restorations. They won’t fall out like a traditional denture might, instead remaining stable. That means they’ll look as secure as your other natural teeth.

Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?

While they may look lifelike, dental bridges can’t get cavities; they’re artificial and don’t decay. Still, the abutment teeth securing them could.

If you weren’t aware, a dental bridge uses nearby natural teeth – “abutments” – to stay secure. These parts of your smile could get exposed to bacteria over time, suffering decay as a result. In that case, they’d eventually develop cavities that make your bridge unstable and likely to fall out.

To guard against this reality, you should always protect your whole smile. Doing so with twice-daily brushing, once-daily flossing, and frequent rinses will keep your abutments strong.