Dental bridges are a common and effective restorative dentistry solution for replacing missing teeth, helping to restore a patient’s smile and oral functionality. However, like any dental appliance, they come with their potential issues. Understanding these problems and how to prevent them can help you maintain the health of your dental bridge and overall oral health.

Common Problems with Dental Bridges

1. Decay or Damage to Anchor Teeth

The anchor teeth, or abutment teeth, support the dental bridge. These teeth can become susceptible to decay or damage over time, compromising the bridge’s stability.

2. Sensitivity in Surrounding Teeth and Gums

The teeth and gums surrounding the bridge are expected to experience sensitivity. This can be due to various factors, including gum recession or improper fitting of the bridge.

3. Difficulty Cleaning Under the Bridge

Cleaning under a dental bridge can be challenging, leading to plaque buildup, bad breath, and even gum disease if not managed properly.

4. A Poor Fit Can Cause Discomfort or Affect Speech

If the bridge does not fit correctly, it can cause discomfort and irritation and affect speech.

5. Wear or Damage to the Bridge Material

Over time, the material of the bridge can wear down or get damaged, affecting its appearance and functionality.

Solutions and Tips for Dental Bridge Problems

1. Regular Dental Exam & Check-ups

Regular visits to your dentist, Eric Spellman, DMD, will help monitor the health of your anchor teeth and the overall condition of your dental bridge. Early detection is the best preventative measure for more severe problems later on.

2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine to reduce sensitivity and prevent gum disease. Good oral hygiene routines include flossing, brushing twice daily, and using mouthwash.

3. Use Specialized Cleaning Tools

Effective cleaning under the bridge is crucial. Tools like floss threaders or water flossers aid with the removal of plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas.

4. Seek Immediate Adjustment

If your bridge feels uncomfortable or affects your speech, contact your dentist immediately for an adjustment. A properly fitting bridge should not cause discomfort.

5. Follow Dietary and Oral Health Guidelines

Our dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman, will recommend avoiding hard and sticky food, which could damage your dental bridge. It is also recommended that you follow a well balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients to promote oral health.

Preventive Measures to Maintain A Dental Bridge

1. Regular Dental Check-ups

Frequent dental check-ups are essential for detecting and addressing issues with your anchor teeth early. Regular visits will help ensure the long-term health of your dental bridge.

2. Strict Oral Hygiene Routine

Encourage a strict oral hygiene routine, including special cleaning techniques under the bridge, to prevent decay and sensitivity.

3. Balanced Diet

Maintaining a balanced diet has a significant role in your overall oral health and the longevity of the bridge material. Include calcium-rich foods to strengthen your teeth.

4. Use Protective Mouthguards

If you engage in physical activities, use protective mouthguards to prevent damage to your dental bridge.

5. Report Discomfort Immediately

If you experience any discomfort or notice changes in your speech, report them to your Larchmont dentist, Dr. Eric Spellman immediately. Timely adjustments can prevent long-term issues.

By being aware of these common dental bridge problems and solutions, you can take preventive measures to maintain the health and functionality of your dental bridge for years to come. Regular visits to your dentist, like Dr. Eric Spellman in Larchmont, NY, can provide personalized advice and care tailored to your specific needs.

Schedule A Dental Bridge Evaluation Today!

Contact our dental team at 914-834-2941 to learn more about the common dental bridge problems and solutions and discuss the best restorative treatments for your smile. For over 30 years, our Larchmont dentist has treated patients with missing teeth from Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, and throughout Westchester County.

4 Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental condition affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. In severe cases, it can impact the jaw bone. Early detection and treatment are necessary for preventing further damage and maintaining oral health. You should be aware of four key signs of gum disease to help identify and treat this condition promptly. The sooner you treat gum disease, the better the outcome.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums is a common sign of gum disease that patient will notice first. Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed during routine activities such as brushing, flossing, or eating. If you notice blood in the sink or on your toothbrush, it may indicate gum inflammation or infection. This symptom, known as gingivitis, is the initial stage of gum disease and can be reversed with proper care and oral hygiene practices.

Swollen or Tender Gums

Inflamed and tender gums are another indication of gum disease. If your gums appear red, swollen or feel sensitive to touch, it could be a sign of underlying periodontal problems.

Gum inflammation occurs as a response to bacterial buildup along the gum line, leading to the development of pockets between the gums and teeth. If left untreated, this inflammation can progress to advanced stages of gum disease, causing further damage to the gums and jawbone supporting the teeth.

Receding Gums

Receding gums, where the gumline starts to pull away from the teeth, is a significant indicator of gum disease. As gum disease progresses, the bacteria and toxins attack the gum tissues and underlying bone, leading to gum recession. Unfortunately, this exposes the tooth roots and can result in many other issues, such as tooth sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and an increased risk of tooth decay. If you have receding gums, see a dentist promptly to prevent further gum and tooth damage.

Persistent Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can also be an indicator of gum disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease release toxins that contribute to foul-smelling breath.

Even with regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use, persistent bad breath can be challenging to get rid of. If you notice that your breath remains unpleasant despite good oral hygiene practices, it’s best to consult with your dentist to investigate the possibility of gum disease.

Schedule A Gum Disease Treatment Appointment Today!

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so taking care of your teeth is essential. We highly recommend that you visit the dentist for regular cleanings and dental exams. Dr. Eric Spellman can help prevent gum disease and perform an oral cancer screening to identify potential cancer symptoms early when there is a higher chance of successful treatment. For over 30 years, our Larchmont dentist has treated gum disease for patients from Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, and throughout Westchester County.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Say that during your most recent visit to the dentist, your dentist told you that you need to remove your wisdom teeth. Though you may know people who have had them pulled before, you may have never considered that you may need to remove yours, too. Even if the eruption of your wisdom teeth hasn’t caused you any discomfort, there are other reasons why you need to have them extracted. Continue reading to learn the reasons for wisdom teeth removal and how the procedure works.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are also called third molars. We call them this because they are the third set of molars to come in. They generally start to erupt between 17 and 25, but some people don’t have them at all. The reason why we have wisdom teeth is because ancient humans used to use them to chew and gnaw on tough foods. But, since our diets have changed over time and human facial structure has become narrower, wisdom teeth no longer have enough space to fit in our mouths.

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Though wisdom teeth removals are standard, only some need to get them removed. If your wisdom teeth or 3rd molars are growing in straight and aren’t causing oral health problems, you probably won’t have to pull them. There are a few reasons why people need to undergo wisdom teeth removal, including: • Gum inflammation makes it difficult to clean partially erupted wisdom teeth properly • Jaw damage due to cysts forming around your teeth and harming the nerves • Damage to adjacent teeth due to third molars pushing against them • Alignment issues from wisdom teeth pushing on other teeth • Sinus issues, such as increased pressure and congestion • Cavities due to gum pockets

How Will My Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted?

Before your dentist removes wisdom teeth, they will administer a simple local anesthetic to numb the target area and prevent you from experiencing any discomfort. If part of the tooth is peeking through the gums, your dentist will wobble it back and forth until it detaches from the jawbone. But, if the tooth is stuck under the gum line, they may need to make a small incision to expose it. They will then remove the tooth in sections. If your dentist says you need to remove your wisdom teeth, scheduling the treatment as soon as possible is essential. Seeing Dr. Spellman as quickly as possible will help ease any pain that you may be experiencing. Also, it will prevent your third mowers from damaging your gorgeous grin!