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Dental Bridge Pain

A dental bridge is an appliance dentists use to replace one or more of your missing teeth, according to New York-Presbyterian Hospital. A traditional bridge is permanent and can only be removed by a dentist.

  1. Dental Bridge

    • A dentist prepares a traditional dental bridge by capping the teeth on either side of the missing tooth with crowns. A false tooth is connected to the crowns, filling the space in your mouth.

    Dental Bridge Pain

    • Food can get lodged in the components of your dental bridge. This can lead to infection in your gum, which can be painful. Pain can also be caused by one of the crowns. A misplaced crown that sits too high on your tooth can cause pain when you bite down. A crown can also make you teeth more sensitive to heat and cold, causing discomfort when drinking or eating.

    Considerations

    • If your dental bridge no longer fits properly and you are experiencing painful gums, then you could have periodontal disease rather than a problem with the bridge itself.

    Treatment

    • Your dentist can treat dental bridge pain caused by a misplaced crown by reseating it on your tooth. Sensitive teeth can be treated with a desensitizing toothpaste. An infection and periodontal disease can be treated with antibiotics.

    Prevention/Solution

    • You can prevent dental bridge pain by brushing, flossing and with regular cleanings with your dentist. This reduces the risk of infection and gum disease, as well as your chance of needing another bridge in the future.

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