What Can Cause Dental Bridge Pain

Do you happen to have one or more missing teeth? If so, don’t worry! There are several solutions that are available for you nowadays to get your teeth replaced and get your smile back. One of these solutions that dentists commonly use to repair missing teeth is a procedure known as a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a fixed restorative procedure that literally “bridges” the gaps between your teeth with fake tooth implants.

A dental bridge is typically constructed around two natural teeth that act as anchors for the entire bridge. These anchor teeth also happen to be known as abutment teeth.

Two man-made outer dental crowns are placed over these abutment teeth and act as the attachment sites for the rest of the fake teeth that will make up your bridge so that the gap in your smile can be properly resolved and disappear completely.

While dental bridges are proven to fix the problem of missing teeth, certain complications have been known to arise after the bridge procedure is performed. To be completely honest and transparent, there is always a chance of complications occurring with any type of medical procedure. This is even true with somewhat “simple” restorative procedures such as dental bridges.

Luckily, most of the complications that occur (if ever) after a dental bridge procedure are quite easily fixed. Unfortunately, many of these complications coincide with dental bridge pain. Let’s take a look at some different dental bridge problems and the pain that can occur with them.

Dental Bridge Complications and Pain

Damage or Cracks in the Anchor (Abutment) Teeth

After steady wear and tear over the years following the procedure, the abutment teeth can become damaged or develop cracks. Just this type of wear and tear damage can cause pain and sensitivity as they develop.

However, on top of this, these little cracks are quite susceptible to be targeted by damaging oral bacteria that can further degrade these teeth. If you are feeling pain around your dental bridge or in your anchor teeth, contact your preferred dental professional as soon as possible.

The Dental Bridge Causing Misalignment

If a dental bridge was not properly applied or the measurements of the crowns or fake teeth that make up the bridge are not on the right scale, a misalignment of the teeth can occur. If a dental bridge procedure causes your teeth to misalign, it will change the orientation that your teeth can bite down with and cause jaw pain.

An improperly placed dental bridge can also cause aggravation and pain if it adds unnecessary pressure to the natural teeth surrounding it. Luckily, you will feel most likely feel these types of symptoms very quickly and can get them corrected before they cause more permanent issues.

Tooth Decay Caused By Degradation of the Dental Bridge

While dental bridges are a fantastic option to resolve problems with missing teeth, they will need some upkeep to be maintained properly. Dental bridges can usually last up to 15 years. However, around this time, cracks can develop in the cement that is holding the bridge together.

These cracks can allow bacteria to enter and decay teeth and gum tissue. This can cause severe pain under the dental bridge. Luckily, this issue usually takes a decade or so to develop so just be mindful of this possibility if you feel dental bridge pain years after getting the procedure.

Pain or Sensitivity Immediately After the Bridge Procedure

Many patients who have recently had a dental bridge procedure report some pain or sensitivity afterward. This is quite normal! There is no reason to be alarmed since it is just your mouth getting used to the feel of the bridge. However, if this pain or sensitivity persists for more than a few weeks, you should see your dentist.

If you are looking to replace any missing teeth or are already suffering from any type of dental bridge problems or pain, please contact us immediately at Gables Sedation and Family Dentistry. We are located in the greater Miami, FL area in Coral Gables and offer some of the best dental help you can get! Let us take a look to see how we can help your smile today!