Dental Bridge Aftercare and Recovery
When two or more consecutive teeth are lost, a dental bridge is an effective way to rebuild the smile. Dental bridges fill in gaps left by tooth loss to restore oral functions and aesthetics.
At our Troy, MI, dental practice, serving patients from Birmingham, Bloomfield, and surrounding areas, Dr. Craig Goldin offers implant-supported bridges. Implant-supported bridges rely on dental implants to provide superior stability and comfort. Dental implants fuse with the jaw so that restorations truly feel like a natural part of the smile.
After a dental bridge is placed, patients can expect a brief recovery period. Here, we discuss the typical dental bridge recovery, and aftercare tips that will promote healing and support the long-term success of treatment.
How Long Is Dental Bridge Recovery?
The placement of a traditional dental bridge does not require much recovery time at all. Even if treatment results in a few minor side effects, most of our Birmingham patients feel well enough to resume all usual oral functions and activities almost immediately after dental bridge placement.
Patients should understand that if they choose an implant-supported bridge over a traditional bridge, treatment will involve multiple procedures. Prior to having an implant-supported bridge placed, patients will undergo dental implant surgery. This stage of treatment does require a lengthy recovery.
After implant surgery, it takes a couple of weeks for the gums to completely heal, and it takes several months for the implants to fuse with the jaw. Still, this recovery should not have a significant impact on the patient’s life. Aside from minor side effects and food restrictions, most people can comfortably resume all usual activities, including work, within a day or two following dental implant surgery.
Dental Bridge Side Effects
After the placement of a traditional dental bridge, patients may experience minor side effects. Side effects of traditional dental bridge treatment are likely to include mild soreness or heightened sensitivity. These effects should last no more than a day or two.
Since an implant-supported bridge requires dental implant surgery, patients who choose this technique will experience additional side effects. Following implant surgery, side effects may include:
- Pain at the treatment site
- Light bleeding
- Inflammation
- Heightened sensitivity
Dental implant surgery side effects generally improve within a week of treatment.
Aftercare Tips
There are some steps that our patients can take to make dental bridge recovery go a little smoother, and to promote the long-term success of treatment.
- Carefully follow all provided aftercare instructions
- Adhere to any recommended dietary restrictions during recovery
- If sensitivity is an issue, avoid hot and cold foods and beverages
- Resume brushing and flossing immediately after treatment
- After recovery, limit foods that are hard or crunchy
- Refrain from biting down on non-food objects or using the teeth as tools
- Keep up with good oral hygiene habits, including regular dental exams and cleanings
Contact Us
If you have experienced adult tooth loss, you may be an ideal candidate for dental bridge treatment. To find out more about the treatment process and the recovery that follows, call (248) 519-1919 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Craig Goldin at your earliest convenience.