Oral health is a gift of nature that everyone must admire. If you are facing cracks, false tooth issues, or abutment teeth, treatment is essential. Dental bridges are the easiest and most convenient method for solving these issues. There is a common misconception among commoners that dental bridges are painful. To address this issue, we bring you a guide that focuses completely on Is it painful to have a dental bridge removed?
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are artificial teeth that fill in the missing spaces in your smile. They are stuck in between the teeth on both sides of the opening commonly known as dental arch. These bridges help you in quite a manner, such as they aid in chewing talking, and even let you enhance your facial value by making your complete smile. Here are the key distinguishing points about dental bridges:
- They add to the joy of your smile and your chewing capacity
- They help you in molding the shape of your face
- They keep the rest of the teeth from changing their positions
- They enable correct bite force distribution
Different Types of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges come in different forms, and each one is purposefully chosen for the particular situation that is the most appropriate. The basic types are as follows:
- Traditional Bridges
- Cantilever Bridges
- Maryland Bridges
- Implant-Supported Bridges
Traditional Bridges
These are the most common types of dental bridges. They are used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing tooth. Here’s what you need to know about traditional bridges:
- They consist of one or more fake teeth that are held in place by dental crowns.
- The crowns are cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth.
- They are typically made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
- Traditional bridges are strong and can replace molars.
This type of bridge requires the removal of enamel from the adjacent teeth for the crowns to fit.
Cantilever Bridges
These bridges are used when the supporting teeth are only on one side of the missing tooth. Cantilever bridges are the following main points:
- They are very similar to traditional bridges, but these ones are kept in place only on one side.
- They’re typically used for front teeth, where there’s less biting force.
- They’re not recommended for back teeth as they may put too much force on the support tooth.
- They require only one natural tooth next to the missing tooth space.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges are also called resin-bonded bridges and are comparatively less invasive than traditional bridges. What makes them attractive is listed below:
- They use a metal or porcelain framework with wings on each side to bond to the existing teeth.
- They don’t require the filing down of adjacent teeth for crowns.
- They’re typically used for front teeth.
- They’re not as strong as traditional bridges and may not be suitable for teeth that are under a lot of stress.
- They’re a good option for people who want a less invasive procedure.
Implant-Supported Bridges
In this case, the bridges are supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth. The key traits would be the following:
- They’re used when you have more than one tooth missing.
- An implant is surgically placed for every missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in position.
- If it’s not possible to place an implant for a missing tooth, the bridge may be suspended between two implant-supported crowns.
- They’re considered the strongest and most stable system.
- They require two surgeries: one to embed the implants in the jawbone and another to place the bridge.
- The entire process can take several months to complete.
Each type of bridge has its own advantages and issues to be taken into consideration. Your dentist will help you choose the best option based on the location of the missing tooth, the health of your remaining teeth, and your overall oral health.
Is it Painful to have a Dental Bridge Removed?
Being Painful
Most of the time, extracting a dental bridge is not a painful process. Although this process can cause discomfort, it is not a painful procedure. The dental doctor who performs this process on you will use local anesthesia to inject the area. Thus, the patient will feel little or no discomfort.
- Before The Procedure
- During The Removal
- After The Removal
- Managing Discomfort
- Follow-Up Care
Before The Procedure
The dentist will check the bridge and neighboring teeth of yours. The doctor will give you a brief description of the process and also tell you about the possible problems that may appear.
During The Removal
In order to give you a sense of comfort, your dentist injects local anesthesia to the painful area so that you will not feel the pain. Besides, they will take the bridge away by using the equipment. This process requires special skills to avoid damaging the teeth.
After The Removal
In the absence of the bridge, some of the things you might encounter are:
- Temporary numbness due to the local anesthesia
- Light sensitivity in your teeth and gums
- Mild pains and soreness
- Slight swellings in your gums
Managing Discomfort
If you feel pain after the denture removal, over-the-counter pain relievers may be enough to relieve the pain. Most people report that any pain they feel is very slight and disappears soon.
Follow-Up Care
Your dentist is going to send a follow-up instruction on how to care for your mouth after the bridge removal. You are required to follow those instructions in order to have a smooth recovery. This way, you can ultimately relieve pain after the removal of your dental bridge.
Why Might A Dental Bridge Need To Be Removed?
Even if dental bridges are designed to be permanent, there are situations when the bridge may need to be removed. Here are some of these reasons:
- Decay In The Root Teeth
- Poor Fit
- Broken Or Damaged Bridge
- Gum Disease
- Appearance
Decay In The Root Teeth
The roof teeth supporting the bridge have a problem with cavities; hence, they need to be taken out for the decay treatment.
Poor Fit
As your mouth changes in shape over time, the bridges will be a poor fit.
Broken Or Damaged Bridge
You can have accidents or regular damage that could lead to the bridge not being functional. In such cases, it may need to be removed.
Gum Disease
The teeth that support the bridges would be affected by the so-called advanced gum disease, thus requiring the bridge to be removed.
Appearance
Though not completely broken, you might want to have a more natural look by replacing the old bridge.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
Depending on many variables, the duration of a dental bridge can differ a lot. This is what you should keep in mind:
- On an average, dental bridges last about 5 to 15 years
- With proper care, some bridges can last even longer
Some of the forces that influence longevity are:
- Regular brushing and flossing
- Following a balanced diet
- Keeping regular dental check-ups
- The bridge material – the material used for the bridge
How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Dental Bridge?
The cost of a dental bridge may be different. That is because it depends on the type of bridge that is being built and the place where you live. The median cost of a traditional bridge is about $500 to $1500 per tooth. The complex bridges can cost between $2000 to $15000. Also, some part of it might be covered by your insurance contribution.
How Long Does It Take to Remove a Dental Bridge?
Any patient usually takes up to 60 minutes before it ends. However, there are various factors that the time taken to remove can be affected.
Factors Affecting Removal Time:
- The type of fixed bridge/Device-in-operative
- How long the bridge has been in place
- The condition of the surrounding teeth
- The method used to attach the device
The Removal Process:
The removal process for the dental bridge consists of the following steps. It starts with:
- Examination
- Anesthesia
- Removal
- Cleanup
- Recementing
Examination
Your doctor will look at the bridge and the surrounding teeth initially. Further, this process will not take long, usually only a little time.
Anesthesia
The area will be anesthetized locally hence, the patient will be comfortable. This will usually take 5-10 minutes, even though it depends on the individual patient.
Removal
The sticking off will be carried out in the real procedure. It may take less than 20 minutes of your time, and the dentist will only need to use some special instruments to loosen it from under the gums and pull it out. Additionally, you will also need to stay calm and relaxed, as rapid removal is essential.
Cleanup
The removal is followed by your dentist cleaning the area and checking your teeth to make sure there is no infection. It takes about 5-10 minutes.
Recementing
Once the dental doctor has done with the process. The dentist will make sure that the bridge is settled within the mouth. There are no signs of damaged teeth or blood. In case there are some issues with the bridge the dental doctor will re-cement the bridge so that it settles.
Though the procedure itself is quick, you still need to reserve a dental appointment for it. This gives time for pre-and post-dental procedures.
Pros and Cons of Having a Dental Bridge
Here are some of the pros and cons of having a dental bridge process.
Pros:
Comfort And Self-Respect
A bridge can be of great importance to you to smile freely and be more satisfied.
Clear And Easy Talking And Eating
The bridge enables better speaking and consumes more easily.
Teeth Are The Mirror Of The Face
Missing teeth are not the only thing that alters your facial appearance, which is covered through the dental bridge.
Prohibits Tooth Movement
It inhibits the rest of your teeth from crowding.
Cons:
Healthy Tooth Condition
Some of your natural teeth might be trimmed for a bridge, which is not good.
Food Getting Stuck
Pieces of food can be easily trapped under the bridge and they might cause some difficulties for you to clean away the particles.
Limited Lifespan
You may be required to change the bridge after a few years.
Tooth Cavities
The implanted teeth bathed under the bridge may get cavities if they are not taken care of correctly.
Repeatedly Servicing
You have to maintain the bridge cautiously in order to keep it in the right state.
Prior to getting a dental bridge, it is necessary to confer with your dentist about the pros and cons. They will assist you in picking the right solution for your dental well-being.
When to Seek Professional Help?
One of the things you should understand in such situations is when to visit your dentist if your dental bridge needs to be fixed. Find medical assistance when you have:
- Pain or discomfort around the bridge
- Loosing or movement in the bridge
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Swelling or bleeding of the gums around the bridge
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste that doesn’t go away
- Damage observable in the bridge
Alternatives to Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a popular option, but there are also other instruments that you might consider using: Dentures have long been used to substitute missing teeth. However, the number of options available in the industry is vast; you can obtain different other teeth substitutes if you want to:
- Implants
- Removable Partial Dentures
- Resin-Bonded Bridges
- Dental Flippers
Implants
Dental implants, made of titanium, are increasingly being chosen over conventional dentures. They are basically prostheses that are placed inside your jawbone by a dentist. These implants are the same in shape, functionality, and appearance as the natural teeth you have in your mouth. They can go for years if you take good care of them.
Removable Partial Dentures
Dentures are false teeth that are attached to a plastic base, which, in fact, resembles bones. You also have a choice to remove it whenever you want to put up a new one or when you go to sleep. They are cheaper than the implants, but they may not look or feel as natural as the other choices.
Resin-Bonded Bridges
Open pontic implants, or resin-bonded bridges, lean towards just leaving one of your teeth to act as a bridge. They are mainly used for the front teeth. The dentist doesn’t need to do as much work on your nearby teeth to put these in. They sort out by strengthening the neighboring teeth.
Dental Flippers
Dental flippers are a finishing touch to the dental implant before they install the permanent teeth. Dental flippers are not meant to be a long-term solution and are only temporary. They will be the most cost-saving choice, but you can’t expect to use them for a long time.
Moreover you can seek advice from your dentist to let you know which option might suit you. The dentist can help you in making the right choice for you.
Aftercare Tips
The key to the long life of the dental bridge and the high quality of your oral health is to take care of it and your teeth by:
- Brushing your teeth two times a day using a toothbrush that has soft bristles
- Do flossing on a daily basis with special bridge floss or a floss threader to get underneath the bridge of the tooth
- Use an anti-plaque mouthwash once per day to prevent bacteria
- Try to avoid the hard and sticky diet that may lead to the bridge being damaged
- Use a night guard in case you are a teeth grinder at night
- Lastly, attend your regular check-ups to make sure everything is fine
To sum up, Dental bridges are a treatment that works fine for the removal of missing teeth, which in turn not only increases the functionality of teeth but also makes them look nicer. The process of extraction of bridges, rather than being a painful one, is that of regularity.
Instead, maintain regular check-ups and practice good oral hygiene in order to avoid this. Realize that each person’s dental problem is specific so consulting your dentist should be the best option to decide upon such orders.
FAQs
The dentist will move the bridge gently so that the cement of the bridge is broken. Once the cement is broken the restoration process can easily be carried out.
It depends upon the oral care. If a person keeps oral care to the prescribed standards, the bridge may last for at least 5 – 15 years. On the other hand, it can replaced much earlier depending upon the situation of the cement and bridge.
If the tooth under a bridge decays, then the abutment teeth become weak. This weakness of the abutment teeth may lead to a loose bridge or shifting bridge. This can be easily visible through the small holes of the affected tooth.
If a dental bridge becomes loose, the dentist has other options. Among them, one of the common options is to recement it. On the other hand, the dentist can also provide a replacement for the bridge if he deems it necessary.
Final Words
Dental bridges are an effective and time-saving solution for missing teeth. Further, they provide flexibility and comfort. Also, dental bridge replacements are not stressful, nor are they painful.
To some, they can cause some discomfort. Thanks to professionals and modern techniques.
So, for those who ask, Is it painful to have a dental bridge removed? This procedure does not cause any pain. You need to understand the types of bridges currently available in the market, along with their costs.
