A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth. It “bridges the gap” in your smile using artificial teeth (pontics) attached to crowns on natural teeth or dental implants. While mild, temporary sensitivity is common immediately after placement, ongoing or intense pain is not typical and signals a potential problem requiring prompt professional attention.
Reasons for Discomfort
Decay
One common cause of discomfort is new decay or cavities on the natural teeth supporting the bridge, known as abutment teeth. These cavities form if bacteria and food particles accumulate around the crown margins, leading to acid production that erodes tooth structure. As decay progresses, it can reach the sensitive inner layers, causing pain or sensitivity when chewing or exposed to temperature changes.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, including gingivitis or periodontitis, can also contribute to pain around a dental bridge. Poor oral hygiene leads to plaque buildup around the bridge and gumline, causing inflammation, redness, and bleeding. If left unaddressed, this inflammation can advance to periodontitis, damaging the bone and tissues supporting the abutment teeth. This results in gum recession, increased sensitivity, and a dull ache or throbbing sensation.
Ill-Fitting Bridge
An ill-fitting dental bridge can also be a source of discomfort. If the bridge does not fit precisely, it can create uneven pressure points when you bite down, leading to pain or soreness in the abutment teeth or jaw joint. A poorly aligned bite (malocclusion) can strain supporting teeth and surrounding structures, causing generalized discomfort or headaches. Gaps beneath an ill-fitting bridge can also trap food particles, promoting bacterial growth and irritation.
Damaged Bridge
A damaged dental bridge (cracked, chipped, or loose) can expose underlying natural teeth to external stimuli and bacteria. A fracture can create sharp edges that irritate the tongue or cheek, while a loose bridge allows food and plaque to accumulate underneath, leading to sensitivity or infection. Such damage compromises the protective barrier, leaving abutment teeth vulnerable.
Nerve Issues
Nerve issues (pulpitis) within the abutment teeth can cause sharp or throbbing pain. This inflammation of the tooth’s innermost tissue (pulp) can arise from deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or trauma from an ill-fitting bite. The pain can range from mild sensitivity to hot or cold to severe, spontaneous pain that lingers. In some instances, the nerve may become irreversibly damaged, necessitating root canal therapy.
Referred Pain
Pain around a dental bridge may sometimes be referred from other areas. Conditions like a sinus infection, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, or an issue with an adjacent tooth not part of the bridge can manifest as discomfort in the bridge area. A dentist should consider these possibilities during diagnosis.
What to Do Next
If you experience persistent or severe pain from your dental bridge, contact your dentist promptly. Professional evaluation is necessary to diagnose the cause. Delaying a visit can escalate minor issues into complex problems like nerve damage or infection.
While awaiting your appointment, you can take temporary measures to alleviate discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage mild to moderate pain and reduce inflammation. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day can also provide temporary relief by soothing irritated gum tissues and reducing bacterial load.
Avoid chewing on the painful side of your mouth. Minimizing pressure on the affected area can help prevent further irritation to the abutment teeth or surrounding gums. Sticking to soft foods can also reduce strain on the bridge and surrounding structures.
Never attempt to fix or adjust the dental bridge yourself. Trying to manipulate the bridge can cause further damage to the restoration or underlying natural teeth. Only a dental professional has the tools and expertise to safely assess, adjust, or repair a dental bridge without causing additional harm.
Maintaining Bridge Health
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is fundamental for your dental bridge’s long-term health. Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food debris. Daily flossing is also important, especially using specialized tools like floss threaders or super floss to clean beneath the pontic. Interdental brushes can also be effective for cleaning around abutment teeth and bridge components.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are important for bridge longevity. Your dentist can identify potential issues, such as early signs of decay or gum inflammation, before they cause significant pain or damage. These routine visits allow for thorough cleaning, ensuring the health of supporting structures. Early detection and intervention can prevent minor problems from escalating into more extensive and costly treatments.
To protect your bridge, avoid biting hard foods like ice, hard candies, or unpopped popcorn kernels. Sticky foods such as caramels or taffy can potentially pull on the bridge or dislodge it. These foods can exert excessive force or compromise its bond to the abutment teeth.
For those who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism), a custom-fitted nightguard offers significant protection. Bruxism places excessive force on teeth and dental restorations, potentially leading to cracks in the bridge material or damage to the supporting abutment teeth. A nightguard creates a protective barrier, distributing biting forces evenly and safeguarding the bridge and natural dentition from wear and fracture.