A Complete Guide to Dental Bridges: Types, Recovery Time, and More

Curious about dental bridges? Your dentist in Owings Mills, MD can install them for you in a heartbeat! Read on for further details.

Did you know that 1 out of 6 older adults experiences complete tooth loss? Missing 8 or more teeth can be a cause for concern when it comes to basic tasks such as chewing food and pronouncing words. It is also a concern for the jawbone since it can begin to deteriorate if it is not under the pressure of a full set of teeth. 

Fortunately, dental bridges from your dentist in Owings Mills, MD, can solve all of these problems. Dental bridges aim to replace several teeth at one time. More than that, dental bridges look very realistic so you can smile without having to worry about your missing teeth. 



But what is the process of getting dental bridges like and how can you know if they're right for you? Keep reading and learn more about dental bridges below. 

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are unique compared to other types of dental options such as metal implants or individual porcelain crowns. They are, in essence, artificial teeth. They are very similar to dentures but there are a few important differences between dentures and bridges. 

While bridges and dentures both aim to replace missing teeth, dentures usually function to replace all the teeth in the mouth. However, this is not always the case because there are partial dentures that only replace a certain number of missing teeth, much like dental bridges. 

A bridge is made out of many dental crowns. Unlike dentures, you usually cannot remove dental bridges once your dentist, Owing Mills, MD, applies them to your mouth. That's because bridges are cemented in place while dentures have an adhesive gel that keeps them in your mouth throughout the day but allows them to be removable. 

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth may be a good candidate for dental bridges. Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of missing teeth and it is also one of the most common dental issues out there. There is one downside to dental bridges: you will need to have some real teeth still in your mouth, otherwise, the bridges will have nothing to anchor to. 

If you are missing teeth, getting a dental bridge can be highly beneficial and you will see that your quality of life will increase in various ways. For example, if you are missing many teeth, you may have trouble chewing food, especially tough food like steak or chicken. You may also feel ashamed of your smile because of your missing teeth. 



But what is the procedure like and what about the recovery time?

The Procedure and Recovery Time

You will need to make several visits to the dentist until you are able to go home with your finished dental bridge. During your first visit, your dentist will likely take some scans and X-rays of your teeth and jaw. This will help the dentist decide whether or not you are a good candidate for a dental bridge.

Your dentist will also need to prepare your surrounding teeth so they will act as good anchors for the dental bridge. This is known as abutment preparation. During this process, your dentist will need to reshape some of the teeth and remove parts of the enamel.

This is important because if your dentist does not reshape these teeth, they would not be able to fit the dental bridge. You shouldn't worry about feeling any pain at this part of the procedure because the dentist should use sedation. This will calm you down and ensure that you won't feel any discomfort.

Your dentist will also scan your teeth and create a model bridge. It will take some time to make this model bridge a reality, so, in the meantime, your dentist will provide you with a bridge that you will need to wear temporarily. This is important because it will protect your mouth while you wait for the real bridge. 

On your second visit, you will finally be able to get your real bridge. Your dentist will fit the bridge into your mouth and check to make sure that it fits as it should. There is not really any recovery time associated with dental bridges, although you may need a couple of weeks before the bridge feels normal in your mouth.



If the bridge still feels uncomfortable after two weeks, you may need your dentist to make some adjustments. 

Types of Dental Bridges

There are many types of dental bridges and some are more common than others. The fixed bridge is the most common type. They are fixed because they are attached to crowns and, as a result, you cannot remove them. 

These bridges are very sturdy because they are usually made of metal or porcelain, although they may also contain ceramic. Porcelain bridges are the most realistic since they match the color of your real teeth. 

The implant-supported bridge; as the name suggests, is anchored to implants instead of crowns. This type of bridge is especially sturdy, though it requires more time to complete. 



The Cantilever bridge only requires one crown as an anchor instead of two, unlike the traditional fixed bridge. This type may be ideal for those who are missing many teeth and only have teeth on one side of their mouth. 

All About Dental Bridges from Your Dentist in Owings Mills, MD

If you are missing teeth and don't know what to do, dental bridges from your dentist in Owings Mills, MD, might be your solution. Dental bridges are very realistic and can make your life much easier as well.



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