Losing a single tooth can disrupt the balance of your bite and complicate simple tasks such as speaking and biting. You can avoid these issues with a dental bridge in Ponte Vedra Beach – a durable restoration that is supported by two of your real teeth. Bridges can last for many years with the right maintenance, but what about the dental structures that lie beneath them? What happens if they become infected or broken? And what should you do if that happens? Read on to learn more about potential threats to your smile that could be hidden from view.
How Can the Teeth Under a Dental Bridge Become Infected or Damaged?
You might think that a tooth hidden beneath a crown is safe from bacteria and food particles, but that assumption overlooks one significant factor: your gums. The soft tissues around a covered tooth can still become infected if you don’t keep them clean, and that could eventually affect the teeth themselves, causing severe cavities and potentially leading to painful toothaches. You might be able to see signs of decay around the area where the bridge meets the tooth, but in other cases the damage can only be seen with a dental X-ray.
It’s also possible for the teeth to break on their own if the bridge puts too much pressure on them. Cracks in the enamel can be problematic even if they can’t be seen; not only do they weaken the stability of the tooth, but they also provide an opportunity for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
What Should You Do if A Tooth Under a Bridge Becomes Infected?
As soon as you notice persistent pain, swollen gums, a bad smell, or other symptoms that could point to a tooth infection, call your dentist immediately. Depending on how severe the issue is, the bridge might need to be removed for treatment. Root canal therapy may be required to treat the infection and save the tooth. If gum disease was a factor, it will need to be addressed as well. You and your dentist can discuss the possibility of a new dental bridge or another kind of tooth replacement once your mouth is healthy again.
How Can I Take Care of My Teeth with a Dental Bridge?
Even if you can’t see the tooth anymore, you can still protect it by brushing and flossing regularly, particularly around the gum line. There are special tools available that can help you clean the gap between the gums and the false tooth that the crowns of the bridge support. You should avoid biting or chewing on hard objects, which can damage teeth (along with the dental bridge itself).
Remember: if a dental bridge starts to fail because the underlying teeth are starting to break down or decay, the problem won’t take care of itself. Save your new teeth and keep your smile whole by seeing your dentist right away!
About Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry
Here at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, Dr. Kristopher R. Harth and Dr. Eric L. Townsend regularly work together to restore their patients’ smiles, combining their experience in order to provide reliable, time-tested care. They’re well versed in rebuilding smiles with crowns and bridges. To schedule an appointment or learn more about caring for your restoration, visit their website or call (904) 285-7711.