Many individuals considering a dental bridge wonder about potential pain during the procedure and recovery. Understanding what to expect can alleviate concerns and prepare you for the process. This article clarifies sensations during placement, the typical recovery period, and when to contact your dentist.
Pain During Your Appointment
During the dental bridge procedure, local anesthesia effectively manages discomfort. Your dentist will administer an anesthetic, such as lidocaine, to numb the area around the teeth receiving the bridge. This ensures you will not feel sharp pain during the preparation of the abutment teeth, which involves reshaping them to accommodate the crowns. While the numbing agent prevents pain, you may still experience sensations like pressure or vibration from dental tools, which is normal.
What to Expect After Your Procedure
After the dental bridge procedure, once local anesthesia wears off, mild soreness and tenderness are common. This sensation typically arises in the gums and the teeth prepared to support the bridge. You might also notice slight sensitivity to temperature changes, such as when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. These sensations are a normal part of your mouth’s adjustment to the new restoration.
To manage this normal post-procedure discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are recommended. Applying a cold compress to your cheek near the treated area can help reduce swelling and provide temporary relief. Dentists advise consuming soft foods for a few days and maintaining good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing and rinsing with warm salt water, to promote healing. This mild discomfort usually subsides within a few days to a week or two as your mouth adjusts to the new bridge.
Recognizing Unusual Discomfort
While some temporary discomfort is expected, certain symptoms after a dental bridge procedure are not typical and warrant immediate contact with your dentist. Severe or worsening pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication is concerning. Persistent throbbing pain, significant swelling, or redness around the bridge or gums could indicate an underlying issue like infection or inflammation. A fever accompanying oral pain also suggests a potential infection.
Other signs warranting attention include the bridge feeling loose or incorrectly fitted, which can lead to an uneven bite or damage to surrounding teeth. Increased sensitivity that persists beyond two weeks or intensifies, rather than diminishing, may signal a problem with the supporting teeth or the bridge’s fit. An unpleasant taste, odor, or pus around the bridge also indicate a potential infection needing prompt professional evaluation.