Dental Bridges in Greensboro, NC

Dental bridges are considered to be a permanent treatment, since they can only be removed by a dental professional and they typically last 10-15 years or longer.

In addition, the natural tooth preparation procedure for your abutment teeth is not reversible. It requires the permanent removal of enamel from one or more of your teeth, so you may want to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not a bridge is right for you.

Yes. Dental bridges, just like all dental prostheses, can become damaged over time, or simply worn down from daily use when chewing, biting, smiling, and speaking. Typically, bridges last between 10-20 years, but the expected lifespan of your bridge may be different depending on the type of bridge, how well you care for your teeth, and a few other factors.

This varies, depending on the type of dental bridge you choose. However, most dental bridges are made from a combination of a metal framework, which supports the teeth and ensures they're in the proper place, and one or more porcelain crowns and false teeth. Acrylic teeth are sometimes used for dental bridges, but usually they are only used for temporary bridges, since acrylic is much less durable than porcelain and ceramic materials.

The cost of dental bridges is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost of your bridge include your overall oral health, the type of bridge you choose, pre-treatment surgeries (like tooth extraction) and more. The best way to find out how much you'll pay for a dental bridge is to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Greensboro, NC.

However, dental bridges are usually covered, at least in part, by dental insurance when they're used to restore missing teeth. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.

It can take up to 2 weeks for your dental bridge to settle. However, most people will settle into their bridge within a few days. It’s normal to experience some minor discomfort and swelling immediately after having a dental bridge placed. 

Your bite may feel different and you may experience tooth sensitivity. For the first week or so, you should avoid foods at extreme temperatures and rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to help reduce sore gums. 

Anti-inflammatory pain medication can also ease discomfort. If you have tooth sensitivity as a symptom, you should brush your teeth with toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth or use a desensitizing gel. 

While a small adjustment period is normal, if you experience significant discomfort for longer than 2 weeks or it becomes worse with time, you should contact us right away, as you might have an ill-fitting bridge.

The most common reason someone would need a dental bridge is that they are missing one or a few teeth. However, a bridge may also be recommended if you have a severely decayed or broken tooth. If these teeth cannot be repaired, they will be extracted and replaced with a dental bridge. 

Bridges serve a lot of purposes, including assisting with speaking and chewing. However, a bridge also fills in gaps that cause aesthetic problems with your smile and prevent surrounding teeth from drifting. 

When you lose a tooth and fail to replace it, the adjacent teeth will begin to move which can cause orthodontic problems or they may even block the space where your old tooth used to be. This can cause issues down the line if you end up wanting to replace the tooth later because you will now need to undergo orthodontic treatment to make room for the tooth replacement.

• Poor oral hygiene
• Lacking support in abutment teeth
• Poor materials
• Lifestyle

You must practice good oral hygiene to care for your natural teeth and your dental bridge. Just because you have replaced a missing tooth or teeth doesn’t mean you’re protected from tooth decay and gum disease. 

You still need to regularly brush, floss, and attend dental appointments. Bridges require meticulous cleaning to prevent bacteria from becoming trapped between the bridge. However, sometimes people try to save money by choosing a cheaper material for their bridge to be fabricated out of. 

While this may seem like a good idea at first, this will hurt you in the long run. If you want to invest in your teeth in the long term, you should select the highest quality materials for tooth replacement. Cheaper materials are less durable and prone to chipping. 

It’s also important for the abutment teeth that anchor the bridge to be healthy and to have adequate underlying bone support. Both of these things are necessary to avoid bridge failure. If you have weak bone support or unhealthy teeth, you’re better off getting an implant-supported bridge. 

Finally, make sure you aren’t subjecting your bridge to constant wear and tear through teeth grinding, using your teeth to chew on objects or packages, and eating hard and sticky foods. Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth and focus on chewing softer, safer foods.
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