Dental bridges are an excellent tooth replacement option that offers stability and affordability to people who need to replace between one and five teeth in a row. With proper care, a dental bridge can last for many years, but there may be a time when your dental bridge needs repair. Let’s look at signs you need dental bridge repair.
Signs You Need Dental Bridge Repair
Learning to recognize the signs of a weakening or damaged dental bridge is important to ensure that repairs are addressed at the earliest possible moment. These are the top indicators that it’s time to visit your dentist.
The Bridge Feels Loose
A dental bridge is a small group of prosthetic teeth that are held in place by an abutment tooth on either side. If you only need 1-3 teeth replaced and have healthy teeth on either side, then your natural teeth may be used to support the dental bridge.
If you need more teeth replaced or your dentist is worried about additional strain on your healthy teeth, then you may also have dental implants on either side to support the bridge.
In either case, your dental bridge should never feel loose. If an abutment tooth or dental implant ever starts to feel less secure, then it’s important to contact cosmetic dentistry in Irvine to have your dental bridge examined.
You’re Experiencing Discomfort
Oral discomfort or pain are always an indication that you need to pay a visit to your local dentist. It is arguably more important to see your dentist right away if you start to experience discomfort in the area where your dental bridge is anchored.
Discomfort could mean a lot of things: infection, a weakening abutment tooth, gum disease. All of them can undermine a dental bridge to the point of it failing entirely. Seeing a dentist early will simplify the necessary repairs.
The Abutment Teeth Look Damaged
If your natural teeth are being used to support your dental bridge, then they will naturally be exposed to some additional strain. With proper care, your dentist should be able to maintain the integrity of those teeth, but there are exceptions.
If the teeth supporting your dental bridge begin to show signs that they are moving or are physically damaged, then you should contact your dentist immediately for a likely repair to your dental bridges in Irvine.
Your “Bite” Has Changed
The term “bite” is often used to describe the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth or chew. We’re often very used to the way our “bite” feels and any variation can be noticeable.
As a result, if your abutment teeth are moving or there is another change in your dental bridge, then you will likely notice it first simply by bringing your teeth together. A change in your “bite” is always an indication that the fit of your teeth has changed, and it should be investigated by your dentist.
You Have Swelling or Irritation
Swelling and irritation are always a sign of a potential issue. You may, of course, experience these symptoms in isolated instances thanks to an easily identifiable cause like facial trauma. However, chronic swelling or irritation indicate an active infection.
An infection can undermine your dental bridge, harm your natural teeth, and even damage the underlying bone and tissue. Signs of infection should never be ignored.
Repairing a Dental Bridge
The process of repairing your dental bridge will depend on the exact cause of the failure. If you’re lucky, then the bridge may need better support or a slight refitting. However, in more extreme circumstances, the abutment teeth may need to be removed and replaced with dental implants which provide a stronger support.