Dental bridges are fixed restorations that address tooth loss by replacing a single tooth or small set of teeth that have been lost from the same area of the mouth. These restorations restore the function and beauty of the smile, while providing structural support that prevents adjacent teeth from shifting or collapsing.

At Signature Smiles in Woodinville, WA, dental bridges offer many benefits to our patients. One of the most notable is the quick and smooth recovery period that most experience. With proper dental bridge after care, recovery should be an easy process for our patients.

Treatment Side Effects

The majority of dental bridge patients experience little to no side effects after treatment. Those side effects that do develop tend to be minor. The most common side effects a patient may experience following dental bridge treatment are discomfort or tenderness at the treatment site and minor swelling.

Because these side effects are usually mild, many patients do not require any treatment. However, if discomfort or swelling are bothersome, over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses can be helpful in minimizing side effects until they dissipate on their own.

How Long Will Recovery Last?

Recovery from dental bridge treatment should be pretty short. If swelling or discomfort develop, they should be gone within just a few days. Because recovery is not painful, patients are free to resume all their usual activities immediately after treatment. Some even return to work when their procedure is complete.

What may take longer than recovering from dental bridge treatment is adjusting to how the new restoration feels. The bite may feel off or slightly off-balance. It can take several weeks to adjust to having the dental bridge in place.

The adjustment period may be longer for individuals who have had missing teeth for an extended period of time.

Aftercare Tips

It is rare for complications to develop after dental bridge treatment at our Woodinville practice. Patients can minimize that risk even further by following all provided post-treatment instructions. These aftercare tips are helpful as patients recover and adjust to their dental bridge:

• Avoid chewing on hard or sticky food the first few days after treatment
• Use over-the-counter pain medication, if needed, to manage discomfort
• Continue to brush and floss regularly
• Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings twice a year (or more frequently, if recommended)

With proper care, a dental bridge can last up to 10 years. Tooth decay and gum disease are the biggest threats to a dental bridge, which is why it is so important to maintain good oral hygiene habits after a dental bridge has been placed.

Schedule an Appointment

At Signature Smiles in Woodinville, we offer a comprehensive range of dental treatments that allow our patients to maintain a smile that is healthy and beautiful. To learn more about these services and how they can benefit you, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience by calling us at (425) 489-1177.