Patient Information Following Fixed Bridgework 1.
Following the first appointment for your bridge, a temporary bridge is placed on each tooth involved. This offers protection and
maintains your correct bite while the custom bridge is being made at the dental laboratory. Your custom bridge will be shaped
and shaded much better than the temporary to match your other teeth in color, shape, and function.
2. Your anesthetic should wear off in 1 1/2 to 4 hours. Sometimes a longer acting anesthetic is used,
which can last 8 to 12 hours. You will need to come back for a second appointment, during which we will seat your bridge.
For most patients, anesthetic is not needed for this visit. 3. A temporary
cement (glue) is used for easy removal of your temporary bridge at your next visit. Therefore, it is subject to being
dislodged. Take care in flossing around your temporary bridge. Simply pull the floss out sideways rather than flicking it
up over the tooth. If your temporary bridge comes off prior to your next appointment, chew some sugar-free gum, then place
enough of it inside the temporary bridge to settle it back onto your teeth. Call us soon as possible thereafter to recement the
temporary bridge, so it will stay in place until your bridge seating appointment. 4.
Sometimes bridges are fitted below the gumline. Therefore, you may have some discomfort for a few days due to the irritation of
that area during the procedures. Sensitivity to cold or pressure is also possible.
5. After placement, it may take a few days or weeks to get used to the new bridge. It is also common for new bridges
to be sensitive to cold at first. If you feel that your bite is not correctly balanced, be sure to arrange an appointment for a
simple adjustment. 6. Proper brushing and flossing are recommended to help you
preserve your bridge. Your home care efforts help protect that important area where the bridge meets the root of the tooth.
It is this area that is most vulnerable to decay or gum disease resulting from the bacteria in plaque.
 ***Call
our office if any unusual symptoms occur.*** |
