The Lifespan of Dental Bridges for Molars: How to Care for Them

The Lifespan of Dental Bridges for Molars: How to Care for Them

June 1, 2023

Nothing kills an amazing smile like missing teeth. Moreover, you will have to deal with the oral and overall health issues that might arise. You will have to deal with indigestion, shifting teeth, and even enunciation issues. Thankfully, our dentist in Stockton has dental bridges that can help you solve the missing teeth issues.

Getting a dental bridge on molars is among the best decisions you will ever make regarding your oral health. But to maintain your new smile, you will need to be extra careful to ensure that your dental bridge serves you as it should.

Our dentist has come up with some nuggets of wisdom that will help you increase the lifespan of your dental bridges.

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

Dental bridges in Stockton can last for about five to seven years. However, they can last much longer than seven years if you know how to care for them. Just like your teeth, dental bridges require daily care to ensure that they serve you well. Therefore, you will need to maintain proper oral hygiene, check your diet, etc., if you desire to see your dental bridges serve you for many years.

In any case, let’s see how you can care for dental bridges. But first, here’s what happens when you immediately receive dental bridges.

Initial Sensitivity and Discomfort

It is not uncommon for you to feel discomfort or experience tooth sensitivity after our dentist places the tooth bridges. The discomfort or tooth sensitivity worsens whenever you eat hot or cold foods. If this happens to you, getting toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth would be best.

You can expect the sensitivity to subside over the next several days as your mouth also gets accustomed to your new set of pearly whites. If your bite feels unusual several days after the procedure, then it is time to contact our dentist near you.

Recommended Oral Care

Tooth decay underneath the dental crowns anchoring the dental bridge is one of the most prevalent issues when tooth bridges occur. At times, food might lodge beside or beneath the dental bridge, which usually leads to an accumulation of plaque that leads to tooth decay.

To prolong the useful lifespan of dental bridges, you might need to do the following:

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

Some people neglect to brush their teeth for fear of tampering with their new set of pearly whites. However, not brushing your teeth after meals will result in plaque buildup, which will not be good for your oral health.

Brushing your teeth shouldn’t be an uphill task since you only need a minimum of two minutes to ensure your teeth are plaque-free. It is best to do it thrice daily, but if this is difficult to pull off, then twice daily will still suffice.

  • Use Fluoride Rinses

Fluoride is an essential component that helps your teeth stay strong. Therefore, you can expect fluoride to strengthen your teeth, especially those holding dental bridges. Also, fluoride will help protect your teeth against tooth decay.

  • Clean Under the Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are usually tightly attached to the tooth, leaving little to no room for regular flossing. This is why our dentist will advise you to get special tools to help you clean under the dental bridge.

  • Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned

It is always best for you to get your teeth cleaned by our dentist. Our dentist can remove plaque and clean even the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Regular dental cleaning is essential to keep bacteria from causing an infection or tooth decay.

Dietary Tips

Even though you are allowed to eat a vast majority of foods when you have dental bridges, it is always a good habit to check what you are eating. For instance, you need to steer clear of hard, chewy, or sticky foods, which have a knack for cracking or sticking to your teeth.

Remember that dental bridges could be sturdy but different from your natural teeth. Therefore, use them appropriately since they will crack, break or even come out, thus reducing their lifespan.

We Are Here for You

When you get your dental bridges, you should keep in touch with our dental team. We can only help you get the best out of this treatment through communication. Contact us at Lakefront Smiles to talk to our dentist.

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