Dental Bridgework Infection Treatment Dublin

A dental bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth. You can regain your smile, chewing ability, and facial shape with these prosthetics. Depending on your oral health habits, dental bridges can last a lifetime and be a durable solution, but there is a risk that infections could occur under the bridge, which could lead to the artificial teeth failing or falling out.

Causes of Bridgework Infections

Tooth Decay

Cavities are caused by tooth decay over time. Our quality of oral hygiene consistency and the consumption of sugar-packed foods are the common causes of tooth decay. If tooth decay happens under a dental bridge, that’s an indication that it’s become widespread.

There is a possibility that patients with dental bridges will develop tooth decay under the bridge, not necessarily because they fail to brush and floss their teeth. Due to the architecture of dental bridges, it is difficult to clean under them, and without knowing it, bacteria accumulate.

You may see a cavity around the bridge where it meets the tooth when tooth decay causes infection under the bridge. The destruction can expand to the root if not addressed in time. You may experience toothaches, acute sensitivity, and tooth staining.

Gum Disease 

Gingivitis may cause bacterial infection under the dental bridge. Infections such as periodontitis can occur when this gum disease spreads to other areas.

Gums that are swollen, sore, red, and filled with pus are common symptoms of gingivitis. Just like tooth decay, gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene and a variety of other factors, such as a sugar-laden diet. Untreated gingivitis can lead to loosened teeth and dental bridges.

Poorly Fitting Bridges

Poorly fitted bridges are uncomfortable for many people. If the bridge is not corrected, it can cause pain and hypersensitivity, as well as bacterial and yeast infections.

A poorly fitting bridge makes it difficult to clean the area around it. Dental fixtures leave pockets of spaces that provide a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in infections.

Dental bridges that are improperly fitted can also cause swollen gums and impeded bites. High tooth sensitivity and looseness around the bridge may also be experienced by patients. 

Other Symptoms of Infection

• The first indicator of bacteria accumulation and dental bridge infection is a bad smell. Bad smell commonly occurs in cases of ill-fitting bridges. Their design leaves spaces between the gums where it’s hard to clean. Food builds up in these pockets, inviting many bacteria.
• If you have tooth hypersensitivity under the bridge, that’s a possible indicator of infection. The pain and discomfort happen when the tooth decay or caries extend to the root. In addition to hypersensitivity, you may experience pain when chewing and sharp shooting pain when eating or drinking cold or hot foods. If you get these symptoms, schedule an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible.
• Dental bridges are supposed to fit firmly and comfortably around the gums. Infections such as those resulting from tooth decay and gingivitis might cause artificial teeth to feel loose. 

Dental Bridge Infection Treatment

If you develop an infection or complications under your dental bridge, it is recommendable to see your dentist as soon as possible for speedy intervention. At the Beacon Dental Clinic, there are various treatment options that will be based on individual treatment needs.

Root Canal Therapy

This treatment is for infections that have progressed to the inner parts of your tooth, and it involves the removal of the pulp and filling.

Dental Filling

This treatment is used for cavities that have significantly advanced from the first stage. The decayed area of the tooth under the bridge is removed and filled with resins or dental amalgam materials.

Tooth Extraction 

This remedy is for teeth that are so severely damaged that they can’t be restored.

New Bridges

Your dentist may propose new dental bridges for infections caused by ill-fitting bridges.

Prevention Information against Bridge Infections

Brushing your teeth with good quality toothbrushes and paste twice daily is important. But alone is not enough. Daily flossing is essential to remove bacteria between teeth and under the dental bridge. Brushing cleans the outside surface, but flossing prevents infection from creeping in around spaces between the teeth.

Mouthwash can reduce and control bacterial and yeast infections. The therapeutic types of mouthwash have been known to be effective against bad breath, tooth decay, and gingivitis. Whether or not you have a dental bridge, mouthwash is critical to have in your oral hygiene kit.

If sweets and starch-packed foods are a big part of your daily diet, you run the highest risk of developing an infection under your dental bridge. When the existing bacteria in your mouth come across sugar, they break it down into an acid that has the potential to erode the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities and the risk of infection. You can reverse this trend by cutting back on sugary foods. Instead, fill your menus with healthy vitamins and a balanced diet. If you do take sugary drinks and snacks, consider rinsing your mouth immediately after that.

Infections can occur under a dental bridge as a result of many factors, as seen above. If you have a dental bridge, practice the right oral hygiene, eat the right foods, and visit the dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleaning.

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