A dental bridge is a prosthetic appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to natural teeth on either side of the gap. Many people worry if getting a dental bridge involves significant pain. While the idea of a dental procedure can cause anxiety, the process is carefully managed to prevent actual pain. Understanding the difference between normal pressure, temporary sensitivity, and pain that signals a complication is helpful for anyone considering this common restorative treatment.
Managing Discomfort During the Procedure
The most intensive part of the process, which involves reshaping the anchor teeth, is typically performed without pain due to the use of local anesthesia. A local anesthetic is administered through an injection near the nerves supplying the teeth, completely numbing the area before preparation begins. This ensures that the actual drilling or reduction of the abutment teeth is painless for the patient. You may still feel sensations like vibration, pressure, or movement during this stage, but these should not be painful.
Some mild discomfort can arise from other necessary parts of the procedure, even with a numb mouth. Jaw muscles can become fatigued or sore from keeping the mouth open for an extended period, which is common during longer dental visits. Dentists often use a retraction cord, a small string placed around the prepared tooth, to push the gum tissue away so a clean impression can be taken; this can sometimes cause minor irritation to the gums. If a temporary bridge is placed, it may not fit perfectly, which can cause slight gum soreness managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Expected Sensitivity After Permanent Placement
After the permanent bridge is cemented into place, it is normal to experience temporary soreness and sensitivity as the mouth adjusts to the new restoration. The teeth supporting the bridge, having undergone preparation and cementing, can become sensitive to temperature changes, particularly with hot or cold foods and drinks. This type of sensitivity is a common reaction following the work done on the tooth structure and usually diminishes over time.
Mild gum soreness and tenderness around the abutment teeth are frequently reported, as soft tissues need time to adjust to the margins of the new appliance. Patients may also notice a slight discomfort or an unfamiliar feeling when biting down, which is related to adjusting to small changes in the bite alignment. This expected discomfort is usually managed effectively with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This temporary sensitivity and soreness typically resolve within a few days to two weeks as the tissues heal.
When Pain Signals a Problem
While temporary soreness is expected, certain types of pain or discomfort are signs that the patient should contact their dental office immediately. Severe, throbbing pain that is constant, worsens over time, or prevents sleep is not a normal part of the healing process. Sensitivity that persists or increases in intensity for longer than two to four weeks also suggests a potential problem that requires professional evaluation.
A feeling that the bridge is loose or unstable, or a noticeable shift when chewing, signals an issue with the cement or the abutment teeth. Swelling, bleeding, or persistent redness of the gums around the bridge that does not improve with good oral hygiene can indicate chronic irritation from an ill-fitting restoration or a developing infection. Abnormal pain can be caused by underlying tooth decay beneath the crown of an abutment tooth, a bridge that does not fit correctly, or inflammation of the tooth nerve that may require further treatment like a root canal.