Dental bridge pain

What’s Causing It?

Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. If you do not have an allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) we recommend taking this prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. If you are prescribed a narcotic pain medication alternate Ibuprofen and the narcotic medication for best pain relief. Alternate these medications as prescribed. While taking a narcotic pain medication you may not drive or operate mechanical machinery. The prescribed pain medication will make you drowsy. Once you feel like you can stop the narcotic, use Ibuprofen or Tylenol. All medications should not exceed the recommended dosage.

As with all dental work, complications, to some degree, can and will arise after a procedure is performed. Dental bridge pain is common and can be treated. Here are some examples of what could be causing you pain after a dental bridge is placed.

A bite that is too high

When a dental bridge is placed you are essentially adding new teeth to your bite. A bridge consists of two outer crowns that are placed over natural teeth and act as the attachment site. The teeth in between these crowns are the fake teeth that fill in a gap in your smile. Therefore, all the teeth (including the crowns) must be perfectly designed to align with your existing teeth. If the prosthetic teeth do not align perfectly this changes your bite, resulting in jaw pain. These new teeth can also add extra pressure to the opposing teeth which can also cause pain.
Cracks in the supporting teeth
Sometimes the natural teeth that act as anchors for a bridge can become weakened. This results in tiny cracks in the tooth. Not only can the cracks alone cause pain and sensitivity but it can also allow bacteria to enter the tooth, causing infection.
Decay
Decay is a complication that can cause dental bridge pain. However, this is usually a complication that arises over a long period of time. Dental bridges usually last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. After this time the cement holding the teeth together can crack. These cracks allow small food particles to enter. Over time, these food particles cause decay and pain.
General sensitivity
If you have recently had a dental bridge placed and are experiencing some sensitivity, do not worry. This is normal. Even if you experience pain in the gums along with this sensitivity you should not be alarmed. This is simply your mouth and gums getting used to the bridge in your mouth. Most patients experience this kind of dental bridge pain and report the sensitivity to disappear after a few weeks.

10 common question about dental bridge pain

1How long does it take for dental bridge to settle?

The procedure for getting a traditional dental bridge usually takes at least two visits to the dentist, each lasting about an hour to an hour and a half. During the first visit, your anchor teeth or implants are shaped to get them ready for the crowns that will hold the bridge in place.

2Is it normal to have pain after a bridge?

You may experience sensitivity to temperature and pressure, gum soreness and slight discomfort on the tooth / teeth; it should subside after the placement of permanent crown.

3How do you clean under a dental bridge?

Cleaning a fixed bridge Gently move the spongy floss between the gum and the base of the bridge, use a soft back-and-forth motion to remove plaque under the false tooth. Then wrap the spongy floss around the real tooth at the other side of the bridge, slide up and down to clean the adjacent tooth surface.

4Can a tooth get infected under a bridge?

Signs of infection after getting a traditional dental bridge include severe pain, toothache, redness, or swelling in the mouth. ... If you have any signs of infection, call your dentist right away.

5How painful is a dental bridge?

If you are sufficiently numb, the process is not painful. Getting a traditional dental bridge is usually fairly painless. ... A temporary bridge is then put in and there is usually little pain afterward. Placing and cementing the dental bridge into place is usually painless and doesn't need anesthesia.

6Can you eat with dental bridge?

Dental bridges and crowns cannot get decayed, but the teeth underneath them can. ... Foods like caramel, fruit snacks, gum, and sticky candies should not be consumed when you have dental restorations.

7How long after a bridge can I eat?

Be careful not to bite your cheeks, lips or tongue. We recommend avoiding sticky, chewy food such as bagels, candy or gummy bears. Also stay away from crunchy, hard food like nuts or chips. After the first 24 hours, you can resume normal eating.

8Can a loose bridge cause pain?

If any part of your bridge feels loose, has an unnatural wiggle, or gives you pain when chewing you should not ignore it. ... Even a small amount of manipulation from a loose bridge can cause damage to the abutment inside. You should never try cleaning or playing with the loosened bridge.

9Which is better implant or bridge?

The implant is not putting any strain on other teeth. Another great advantage of implants is that they can be used to replace more than one missing natural tooth. In the case of a bridge, a dentist will need healthy adjacent teeth for support. ... Dental crowns and bridges will have to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

10Can a dental bridge fall out?

While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. ... A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease.

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Dental bridge pain