Experiencing pain or discomfort after receiving a new dental bridge, especially when chewing, is a common concern. While some initial adjustment is normal as your mouth acclimates, persistent or severe pain warrants attention. Understanding the potential reasons for this discomfort and knowing when to seek professional help can ensure the longevity of your bridge and your oral health.
Common Reasons for Discomfort
Discomfort when chewing with a new dental bridge often stems from issues with the bridge’s fit or the health of supporting teeth. Improper bite alignment, also known as occlusion problems, is a common cause. If the bridge does not perfectly align with opposing teeth, it creates uneven pressure points, leading to pain and wear on the bridge and adjacent natural teeth. This misalignment can also result in jaw pain or headaches.
Sensitivity in the abutment teeth, the natural teeth supporting the bridge, is another frequent concern. This sensitivity can occur due to tooth preparation, bridge cementation, or nerve irritation within these teeth. While some initial sensitivity to hot or cold is expected, persistent or worsening sensitivity indicates an issue. Gum irritation can also arise if the bridge’s margin does not fit precisely against the gum tissue, or if food particles become trapped beneath the bridge. This trapping creates an environment for bacteria to accumulate, leading to inflammation, gum disease, or decay in the supporting teeth.
Underlying issues with the supporting teeth also contribute to discomfort. These include pre-existing conditions or new problems like tooth decay or gum disease under the bridge. Such issues can weaken the abutment teeth, affecting the bridge’s stability and causing pain. Bone loss in the jaw, which can occur over time due to missing teeth, may also impact the bridge’s fit and stability, leading to chewing discomfort.
Managing Discomfort at Home
While awaiting a dental appointment, several self-care measures can help alleviate discomfort from a new dental bridge. Adjusting your diet is a practical first step. Eat soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods like nuts, popcorn, caramel, or tough meats to prevent undue stress on the new bridge and reduce damage risk.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can provide temporary relief. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen reduce both pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen is another option for pain relief, though it does not reduce inflammation. For localized discomfort, topical numbing agents containing benzocaine can be applied directly to the affected area. Always adhere to recommended dosages on the packaging for any OTC medication.
Maintaining diligent oral hygiene around the bridge helps prevent irritation and infection. Gently brush the bridge and surrounding gums twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing with a floss threader or using an interdental brush is important to clean beneath the bridge and between artificial teeth, removing trapped food particles and plaque. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria and prevent gum disease.
For swelling or localized discomfort, applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can be effective. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth for 10-20 minutes at a time, repeating every few hours as needed.
When Professional Intervention is Needed
While some initial discomfort with a new dental bridge is normal, certain symptoms indicate professional dental intervention is necessary. Persistent pain or discomfort that does not improve within a few days or worsens over time should prompt a visit. Sharp, shooting pain, especially when biting or chewing, can signal a more serious issue, possibly involving the underlying tooth or nerve.
Signs of potential infection or significant irritation, such such as swelling, redness, or bleeding gums around the bridge, require immediate attention. An unpleasant taste or foul odor from the bridge area, or the presence of pus, indicates bacterial infection. If the bite continues to feel uneven or “off” after a few days, the bridge may need adjustment to ensure proper alignment and prevent excessive pressure on surrounding teeth. If the dental bridge feels loose, unstable, or moves when touched, contact a dentist promptly. A loose bridge can indicate issues with supporting teeth or the cement, and addressing it quickly can prevent further complications and damage.