What to Expect Before and After Dental Bridge Procedure

At Page Mansourian’s practice, understanding the dental bridge procedure helps you feel prepared for your treatment. We prioritize personalized care to ensure every step is tailored to your needs.

• Initial Consultation and Preparation (Appointment 1): Your journey begins with a comprehensive dental exam and discussion of bridge options. If a dental bridge is right for you, adjacent teeth are reshaped for a secure fit. This visit takes 1-2 hours.
• Impression Taking (Appointment 2): After preparation, precise impressions or scans of your teeth are taken to design your custom bridge. This quick, 30-60 minute appointment ensures a perfect match for your smile.
• Bridge Fabrication (Laboratory Time): Impressions are sent to our trusted lab, where your bridge is crafted over several days to weeks. We ensure timely delivery and top quality.
• Fitting and Cementation (Appointment 3): Once ready, your bridge is fitted and adjusted for comfort during a 1-2 hour visit. Temporary cement may be used initially.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Post-procedure visits monitor healing and bridge functionality for long-term success.

The entire process spans 2-6 weeks, with our team guiding you every step of the way for a seamless experience.

At Page Mansourian, we are dedicated to providing personalized care as you adjust to your new dental bridge. Here’s what to expect and how to care for your dental appliance:

• Pain and Sensitivity: Mild discomfort or pain is normal after receiving a bridge. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help manage this.
• Swelling and Tenderness: Minor swelling or gum sensitivity may occur. Warm salt water rinses and cold compresses can reduce discomfort and inflammation.
• Bleeding: Slight bleeding immediately after the procedure is common. Gently blot the area with gauze if needed.
• Numbness or Tingling: Temporary numbness from anesthesia should subside within hours.
• Adjustments and Adaptation: Tightness or pressure is typical as your mouth adapts. Changes in bite or speech will normalize over time.
• Post-Procedure Care: Stick to soft foods temporarily and maintain excellent oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and using antiseptic mouthwash. Regular follow-ups ensure proper fit and oral health.

If you experience prolonged discomfort or swelling, contact us immediately. With proper care and support from our team, your transition to a dental bridge will be smooth and successful.

At Page Mansourian, we understand that adjusting to a dental bridge is a gradual process, and our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.

Initial Adjustment Period

• Day 1-7: Expect mild discomfort or sensitivity as your mouth adapts. Over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and softer foods can help ease the transition.
• Weeks 1-2: Biting tenderness and changes in bite or speech patterns are common but should improve. Adjustments by our skilled dentists ensure a better fit and comfort.

Intermediate Adjustment Phase

• Weeks 2-4: Sensitivity diminishes, and eating and speaking become more natural as your oral muscles adjust.
• Months 1-3: By this stage, the bridge feels more natural. Maintaining oral hygiene is essential to prevent complications like gum disease.

Long-Term Adjustment

• Months 3-6: Most patients fully adapt, enjoying a natural fit and function. Regular check-ups ensure optimal performance.
• Beyond 6 Months: Any lingering discomfort or issues can be addressed promptly by our team.

Tips for a Smooth Adjustment

Practice gentle hygiene, avoid hard foods, use ice chips for sensitivity, and maintain follow-up appointments. With our personalized care, your dental bridge will seamlessly integrate into your routine, ensuring lasting comfort and functionality.

Eating Guidelines for Dental Bridge Patients

At Page Mansourian, we prioritize your healing and long-term success with dental restorations. Adjusting your eating habits after receiving a dental bridge is crucial for protecting your new dental work and maintaining oral health.

Initial Post-Placement Period:

Focus on soft foods requiring minimal chewing to support healing and allow the bridge to settle. Avoid hard or sticky foods that may strain the bridge or cause discomfort.

Gradual Transition:

Once healed, gradually reintroduce foods like softer meats, cooked vegetables, and fruits. Later, cautiously add harder items like nuts and raw vegetables, ensuring they are chewed carefully.

Long-Term Considerations:

• Avoid sticky foods to prevent loosening the bridge.
• Cut hard foods into smaller pieces to minimize stress on the bridge.
• Use a soft toothbrush and maintain excellent oral hygiene to protect the bridge material and surrounding teeth.

Special Cases:

Patients with bridges in the back of the mouth may need additional dietary adjustments. Personalized instructions will be provided based on individual needs.

Regular check-ups and proper care ensure your dental bridge offers lasting functionality, helping you maintain a healthy and confident smile. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 4015 Mission Oaks Blvd. Suite A, Camarillo, CA 93012. We serve patients from Camarillo CA, Somis CA, Santa Rosa Valley CA, Oxnard CA, Hidden Valley CA, Thousand Oaks CA, and surrounding areas.