TMJ Disorder is a common condition affecting the hinge joint of the jaw. It can occur on one or both sides of the face at a time. With a wide variety of signs and symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose yourself.
How do you know if you have TMJ Disorder? What should you do if you think you have it? Here’s what you need to know.
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the location on each side of your face where your lower jaw connects to your head. The TMJ can become inflamed or misaligned, resulting in a disorder that can make it difficult to eat and speak.
Common Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
- Pain in the location of the joint
- Pain and tension in the facial muscles surrounding the TMJ
- Limited range of motion in your jaw (difficulty opening and closing your mouth)
- Ear pain or ringing due to proximity to the TMJ
- Neck pain and tension
- Swelling of the face and jaw
- Clicking or popping sound when chewing or moving your jaw
Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
If you have one or more of the above symptoms, you may have TMJ Disorder. But to get an official diagnosis you need to make an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist can perform an evaluation that may include dental X-rays to get a clear picture of the joint. They will also ask about your symptoms and your daily habits to determine the possible cause.
Causes of TMJ Disorder
TMJ Disorder may be caused by a blow to the face that causes the joint to become misaligned. There is a disc that cushions the joint that has the potential to slip out of place. Sometimes just chewing on something hard or chewy, or constantly chewing on gum or ice can cause TMJ Disorder. Grinding your teeth is a common aggravator of the TMJ. In other cases arthritis or autoimmune diseases can cause TMJ disorder
Treating TMJ Disorder
There are a variety of ways to treat TMJ disorder, and the best option for you depends on your individual case. TMJ treatments include:
- Rest your jaw as much as possible
- Eat soft foods that don’t require chewing
- Apply ice to the sides of the face where the TMJ is located
- Bite splints help to realign the joint
- A night guard can absorb the force of teeth grinding
- BOTOX injections can reduce inflammation and relax tense muscles
- In severe cases surgery may be necessary to rebuild the joint
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Disorder
How can I prevent TMJ flare ups?
Flare ups are recurrences of the symptoms of TMJ Disorder. This can happen when the circumstances that caused the TMJ Disorder in the first place, such as chewing too forcefully or two frequently, reoccur. Remembering to wear your night guard can help prevent flare ups.
Why should I see a dentist for TMJ Disorder?
Dentists specialize in the entire mouth structure, not just the teeth, but also the jaw. For conditions affecting the jaw, your dentist is the right medical professional to diagnose and treat the disorder. If necessary, they may refer you to a specialist for treatment.
Learn More About TMJ Disorder From Aliso Smiles
If you have symptoms of TMJ Disorder, Aliso Smiles can provide you with an accurate diagnosis. After a brief evaluation, a treatment plan can be created to alleviate your symptoms and prevent future flare ups.
Call 949-916-7800 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
A dental bridge replaces one or a few teeth in a row. It is a dental prosthetic, the official name for artificial teeth. With any change to your teeth there may be an adjustment period while you adapt to the way it feels.
How long does it take to get used to a dental bridge? Here’s what you can expect.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a row of connected artificial teeth with crowns on one or both ends. The crowns fit over the healthy teeth on each side of the gap with pontics (artificial teeth) suspended between them. The pontics sit on top of the gums and are supported by the crowns.
A traditional bridge can replace anywhere from 1 to 3 adjacent teeth. Implant supported bridges can replace more teeth with dental implants on each end.
What Does a Dental Bridge Feel Like?
A dental bridge is custom made to fit your mouth. This means that it won’t necessarily feel any different than your natural teeth. If your tooth or teeth have been missing for a while, it may feel different because there is no longer a gap in your teeth. You may experience some mild irritation where the pontics meet your gums. The support teeth may also be a little tender due to the increased pressure of supporting a bridge. You may also experience sensitivity in the support teeth.
Getting Used to Your Dental Bridge
It can take up to 2 weeks to get used to a dental bridge. This means that any discomfort should subside within this time period. If your bridge is still uncomfortable after 2 weeks, contact your dentist to ensure that it is properly placed and sized.
You can get ease your discomfort during the adjustment period with the following tips:
- Avoid cold or hot foods if your teeth are sensitive. Allow them to reach room temperature before consuming.
- Take over the counter pain medication, especially anti-inflammatory types such as ibuprofen.
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
- Rinse with lukewarm saltwater to ease gum irritation.
- Eat soft foods if your teeth are tender and avoid chewing anything solid in that area of your mouth.
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
- Restores dental function. A bridge allows you to chew food as you would with your natural teeth, at least for the most part. You should still avoid extremely hard or chewy foods in that area of your mouth.
- Looks natural. A dental bridge can be designed to match your neighboring teeth in color and size for a natural appearance.
- Provides a solution when there is bone loss in the jaw. When a tooth is missing for a period of time, the support structures for the tooth will deteriorate. Jaw bone resorption, or bone loss in the jaw, is common. A dental bridge can still be placed even if there is significant loss of bone structure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long does a dental bridge last?
A dental bridge lasts an average of 15-20 years with good care and maintenance. An implant supported bridge can last a lifetime.
How do I clean my bridge?
It is important to clean the space between your bridge and gums to remove plaque. This can be done with a thin round brush, floss, or a water flosser.
Learn More About Bridges From Aliso Smiles
Aliso Smiles provides dental bridge restorations for patients with one or more missing or damaged adjacent teeth. Call 949-916-7800 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
A root canal is a dental procedure that treats an infected or at-risk tooth. Root canal therapy can often save your natural tooth, allowing it to remain in place for the benefit of your smile and dental function. But what exactly is a root canal and what does it entail? Here’s an overview of the procedure to promote better understanding of this common treatment.
The root canal is a part of a tooth. It is the inner chamber beginning at the base of the crown and extending through the root. The root canal contains dental pulp, soft tissue housing blood vessels and nerves that sustain the tooth as it develops and helps it thrive and function properly.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
If bacteria enters the root canal through a crack, a deep cavity, or underdeveloped roots it can infect the dental pulp. Root canal therapy can treat an existing infection or prevent it.
During root canal therapy a small hole is made in the crown of the tooth that is used to reach the root canal chamber. The dental pulp is extracted along with any diseased or damaged tissue. The root canal is thoroughly flushed out and disinfected to remove all traces of bacteria and pulp. Then the tooth is filled with a replacement material that is resistant to infection. In most cases a crown is placed over the tooth for protection following root canal therapy.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
- Save the natural tooth. When performed at the right time, root canal therapy can often save a tooth that is infected or at-risk, allowing the natural tooth to remain in place in your mouth.
- Avoid costly artificial teeth. If the tooth can’t be saved and needs to be extracted, replacing the tooth will often cost more than root canal therapy to save it.
- Relieve or prevent pain. An infected tooth can be painful. Root canal therapy can relieve tooth pain or prevent it from occurring.
- Relieve sensitivity. A tooth that needs a root canal is often extremely sensitive to cold, heat, and sugar. Root canal therapy can relieve your sensitivity.
- Preserve your natural smile. Saving your natural tooth with a root canal provides a more natural smile than you may be able to achieve with a dental prosthetic.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?
If you have a tooth that needs a root canal, you may experience any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Toothache
- Pain that comes and goes
- Sensitivity that lingers after the cause is removed
- Discoloration of a tooth (gray or brown from the inside)
- A deep cavity
- A cracked tooth
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
Is it better to have the tooth pulled instead of a root canal?
We always recommend saving your natural tooth with a root canal if at all possible. Keeping your natural tooth intact provides better function and appearance than a dental prosthetic. It will also save you money.
Does a root canal hurt?
Local anesthesia is used for root canal therapy to numb the nerves and prevent discomfort. If you are uneasy or anxious about the procedure, sedation options are available to help you relax.
Learn More About Root Canal Therapy From Aliso Smiles
If you know or think you need a root canal, Aliso Smiles provides gentle and thorough root canal therapy. Call 949-916-7800 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
A dental bridge can replace one or a few missing teeth in a row. Teeth may need to be replaced due to severe decay or advanced gum disease, and a dental bridge is one option for restoring appearance and function. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a dental bridge.
How a Dental Bridge Works
A dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four adjacent teeth using the healthy teeth on either side of the gap for support. One or both ends of a bridge consist of crowns that fit over the healthy teeth with pontics (artificial teeth) suspended between them. The pontics rest against the gums for a natural appearance.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges have many benefits as a tooth replacement option, such as:
- Provides a natural appearance. A bridge can make your smile look natural again by replacing missing teeth. Bridges are made of porcelain, a strong material that resembles tooth enamel.
- Restores chewing ability. A bridge allows you to chew effectively where missing teeth may have prevented it in the past.
- Offers a solution for lack of bone density. Over time when teeth are missing the support structures deteriorate, including the jaw bone. A bridge can be placed regardless of the bone density in that area of the mouth, as it uses other teeth for support.
Disadvantages of Dental Bridges
There are some disadvantages of dental bridges:
- Will eventually need to be replaced. Dental bridges last an average of 5-15 years, but with excellent care and maintenance they may last up to 20.
- May damage the support teeth. The force of chewing takes its toll on the support teeth, eventually causing damage that will result in the need to replace those teeth as well.
- Certain foods should be avoided. You’ll need to be careful what you eat with a dental bridge. Avoid chewing particularly hard, chewy, or sticky foods in the area of your bridge to avoid damage.
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional bridge. A traditional bridge consists of two crowns that fit over the teeth on each side of the gap and one or more pontics suspended between them.
- Cantilever bridge. A cantilever bridge has a crown on just one side and a pontic on the other. It is used to replace the back molar when there is not a tooth on the other side.
- Maryland bridge. A Maryland bridge attaches using metal clips that are cemented to the back side of the teeth.
- Implant-supported bridge. An implant-supported bridge consists of one or two dental implants on each end that provide an anchor to hold the bridge in place.
Are You a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be a candidate for a dental bridge. A bridge may also be recommended if you have one or more teeth that are severely decayed or damaged to the point of needing to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
Is a dental bridge better than a dental implant?
In most cases dental implants are considered to be the highest quality tooth replacement option. However, bridges have some advantages over dental implants such as a lower cost and no bone density requirements.
Are dental bridges covered by insurance?
Dental insurance typically covers dental bridges. This is another advantage bridges have over dental implants, as implants are less likely to be covered.
Why Choose Aliso Smiles?
Do you need to have one or more teeth replaced? A dental bridge may be the right option for you. Aliso Smiles can perform a brief evaluation and make a recommendation for the best tooth replacement option for you.
Call 949-916-7800 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Sleep apnea is one of the most common, yet underdiagnosed, health conditions in America. The majority of people who have sleep apnea are completely unaware. However, they are most likely feeling the symptoms. Sleep apnea interrupts your sleep cycles and prevents you from getting quality sleep at night, leading to a variety of health issues.
How is sleep apnea treated? Can sleep apnea be cured? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is actually a breathing problem. When you lay down to sleep, especially when on your back, your tongue slides back toward your throat and your throat tissues relax, obstructing your airway. Partial obstruction causes snoring and complete obstruction causes you to stop breathing completely. You may stop breathing for seconds to minutes at a time until your body registers a lack of oxygen, causing you to wake up and resume breathing. This can happen multiple times throughout the night, even as much as 30 times in an hour. These interruptions to your natural sleep cycles prevent you from reaching the deep sleep that is necessary for adequate rest.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
You may have sleep apnea if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Feeling tired
- Lacking energy
- Headaches
- Teeth grinding
- Irritability
- Difficulty with focus
- Falling asleep frequently during the day
Treating Sleep Apnea
The most common treatments for sleep apnea are designed to improve breathing.
- Oral appliance. An oral appliance can be used to hold your jaw in a forward position at night, preventing your tongue from sliding back to block your airway. It can be custom made to comfortably fit your mouth.
- CPAP machine. A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine consists of a mask you wear over your mouth and nose that delivers a constant flow of air to keep your airway open while you sleep.
Both of these methods are highly effective at treating the symptoms of sleep apnea. Many people prefer an oral appliance over a CPAP because it is more comfortable, compact, and silent.
Curing Sleep Apnea
There are some treatments that can get the source of your sleep apnea and actually cure it.
- Orthodontic treatment. For some patients, orthodontic treatment to align the bite and widen the upper jaw can prevent the tongue from sliding back to block your airway.
- Jaw surgery. Jaw surgery can also cure sleep apnea by changing the shape and position of the jaw so that your tongue does not slide back toward your throat.
- Throat surgery. Surgery to remove excess tissue from your throat can sometimes cure sleep apnea. There are also procedures that reshape the throat tissues to keep your airway open.
- Nasal surgery. For some people sleep apnea is caused by an inability to breathe through your nose. Surgery to open the nasal passages can cure sleep apnea in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Who can diagnose sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated by your dentist or a sleep specialist. Going to your dentist about your sleep apnea symptoms is often more affordable and just as effective as seeing a sleep specialist.
What other health problems can result from untreated sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea that goes untreated can result in heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. It also increases your risk of car accidents due to distracted driving and falling asleep at the wheel.
If you suspect your dental bridge doesn’t fit right, it’s smart to contact a dentist. A dental bridge should fit snugly and securely in your mouth without causing pain, irritation, swelling, or discomfort. Read on to learn more about how dental bridges should fit.
Dental Bridges Should Fit Firmly & Snugly Against Your Gum
A dental bridge should never feel wobbly. It should not shift when you eat, chew, or speak. When you first get a dental bridge, it may feel a bit tight in your mouth. If it continues to feel tight or uncomfortable after a couple of weeks, notify your dentist.
The artificial teeth (pontics) used to bridge the gap in your smile should also fit snugly against your gums. There should not be a gap between your gum and the pontic(s). If you notice a gap or discover food or debris accumulating near the base of the bridge, call your dentist.
A poor-fitting dental bridge puts your oral health at risk. For example, a bridge that doesn’t fit properly may damage the neighboring teeth, or the teeth that are supporting the bridge. A poorly fitting bridge also increases your risk of gum disease and gum recession.
Signs Your Dental Bridge Needs to Be Adjusted
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an ill-fitting dental bridge, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
If the gums beneath your dental bridge are sore, tender, or swollen, a loose bridge may be to blame.
- Pain When Eating
If you experience pain when chewing with your dental bridge, notify your dentist. You may need to have your bridge reshaped or realigned.
- You Can Easily Move the Bridge
If you can move your bridge by touching it with your finger or tongue, or if it moves while you are eating, your bridge needs to be readjusted. Your bridge should always be firmly in place.
- Pressure on Adjacent Teeth
If the teeth adjacent to your bridge become sore, or you experience an ongoing sensation of tightness or pressure, schedule an exam with your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Bridges
What should I do if my dental bridge comes loose?
Don’t panic if your dental bridge comes loose. Unless you’re in pain, a loose bridge isn’t an emergency. Schedule a dental appointment. However, if your bridge feels loose and you’re experiencing pain, contact your dentist and explain your symptoms, as pain should always be treated ASAP.
Get Help With a Loose Bridge in Aliso Viejo
If your dental bridge has come loose, your gums are sore, or something about your dental bridge just doesn’t feel right, contact the expert dentists at Aliso Smiles. Aliso Smiles is a Google Five-Star reviewed dental practice in Aliso Viejo. To book an appointment, call 949-916-7800 or message us.
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) affect more than 10 million people in the U.S. Although signs and symptoms of TMJ may vary from person to person, most people will experience one of the primary symptoms including pain at the jaw joint, clicking or popping when opening the mouth or chewing, stiffness in the jaw, or pain that spreads into the face or neck. If you think you have TMJ, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with a dentist who specializes in the nonsurgical treatment of TMJ.
What Causes TMJ?
Women are twice as likely to be affected by TMJ than men. TMJ symptoms may flare up in conjunction with other medical conditions such as back pain, IBS, headaches, and fibromyalgia. Most people are first diagnosed with TMJ disorders between the ages of 20-40.
Unfortunately, although there are several primary causes of TMJ disorders, in most cases the exact cause isn’t known. Known causes of TMJ include:
- Congenital joint disorder
- Arthritis
- Injury (trauma) to the joint
However, specific activities and habits may all contribute to the degeneration of the disc or the joint, including bruxism (teeth grinding), misalignment of the teeth or bite, muscle spasms, rheumatic illnesses, and other less common conditions such as connective tissue disease.
The role that stress plays in TMJ cannot be underscored. Although stressors won’t directly cause pain in the jaw joint, they do increase the likelihood of inflammation, or teeth grinding or clenching, all of which can trigger TMJ symptoms.
How Can I Treat TMJ?
If you suddenly develop pain in the jaw joint, you’ll be glad to know that temporary flare-ups are common. The symptoms may disappear on their own within days or weeks. At home, you may try icing the jaw, taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as Advil, or switching to soft foods temporarily.
If you’re currently under more stress than normal, you may also wish to engage in relaxation exercises, such as mindful meditation, guided breathing, yoga, tai chi, or other intentional stretching exercises.
If the pain does not go away with at-home care, you’ll need to schedule a dental appointment with a dentist experienced in treating TMJ.
Nonsurgical treatments for TMJ may include custom night guards or bite guards (oral appliances) which prevent teeth grinding and clenching, BOTOX injections to relax the muscles, specialized jaw exercises, and prescription strength anti-inflammatories.
TMJ disorders due to traumatic injury or congenital defect may require surgery to treat.
Frequently Asked Questions about TMJ
Is TMJ treatment covered by Insurance?
It’s best to check with your dental and medical coverage to learn if your specific plans cover treatment for TMJ disorders. If your insurance does not cover TMJ treatment, you may opt to finance treatment with CareCredit, a third-party financing company offering no interest and low-interest monthly payments.
Can TMJ lead to complications?
Left untreated, TMJ can lead to chronic pain and difficulty chewing. If your TMJ pain is caused by teeth grinding, you may develop oral health conditions including cracked teeth, infections, and gum disease.
Schedule an Appointment for Jaw Joint Pain in Aliso Viejo
If you’ve developed pain, clicking, popping, or a locking sensation in the jaw, schedule an appointment at Aliso Smiles by calling 949-916-7800. If you prefer, you may message us to request an appointment and we will follow up with you shortly.
After a root canal, it can take several hours for local anesthesia to wear off. If you took an oral sedative before your procedure, detoxing from the medication can take up to 8 hours. Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, wears off almost as soon as the gas is turned off. No matter which type of anesthesia or sedation you have for your root canal treatment, detoxing will take 24 hours or less.
Why Root Canals Are Needed
Root canals can be thought of as a last-ditch effort to save a severely damaged tooth. Root canals are always a better option for your oral health than a tooth extraction, or losing the tooth on its own. That’s because root canals save the tooth root.
The roots of the teeth are unsung heroes when it comes to your oral health and facial appearance. In addition to anchoring the teeth to the jaw, the roots of the teeth also keep your jawbone strong and healthy. When you lose a tooth or have a tooth extracted, the root is removed as well, leading to jawbone deterioration. As the jawbone recedes, the facial appearance will change, leading to thin lips, wrinkles, and a prematurely aged, sunken appearance.
By contrast, when a severely decayed, infected, or cracked tooth receives a root canal, the root remains intact. This not only preserves the jawbone, but it also reduces the risk of gum disease, prevents adjacent teeth from drifting into the gap, reduces the risk of additional tooth loss, and ensures you have a full smile.
Root Canal Therapy in 2024
Today, root canals are faster, more effective, and more comfortable than ever thanks to advanced dental technologies, including high-resolution digital imaging, extraordinary microscopes, and advanced techniques. Most root canals do not take much longer than getting a dental filling.
The root canal process involves 5 steps.
- A small hole is created allowing the dentist or endodontist to access the interior of the tooth
- The pulp and all decay, debris, and bacteria are removed
- The canals of the root are cleaned, rinsed, and reshaped
- The tooth is filled with a biocompatible material
- The tooth is protected with a dental crown
The area of the mouth being treated will be completely numb for your comfort. Once your treatment is complete, any acute pain is typically resolved. You may continue to experience tenderness or swelling for a few days. Within a week, nearly all patients are completely recovered and pain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions about Root Canals
Can I drive after a root canal?
Driving after a root canal depends on the type of sedation or anesthesia you have during your treatment. If you have local anesthetic or laughing gas, you may drive yourself home after your procedure. If you took an oral sedative you may not drive home. If you had IV sedation you may not drive yourself home.
How long will a root canal take?
Most root canals are complete within 90 minutes. Some may take as few as 45 minutes to complete.
Schedule an Appointment for Tooth Pain in Aliso Viejo
At Aliso Smiles, our experienced team includes dentists, endodontists, and periodontists. Our state-of-the-art office is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies to ensure patient comfort and outstanding outcomes from procedures. If you’re living with pain in a tooth, contact us today at 949-916-7800 or send us a message.
Restoring a damaged or vulnerable tooth with a dental crown is an incredibly common procedure in the U.S. Although the process for getting a dental crown can take a couple of weeks, and require multiple appointments, advancements in dental technology, such as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics® (CEREC), allow dental crowns to be made and placed in a single day. Read on to learn more about same-day CEREC dental crowns.
What are CEREC Dental Crowns?
CEREC technology represents a huge leap forward in innovation in dental technology. Using 3D digital impressions of the tooth to be treated, dentists then use CAD/CAM (Computer Assisted Design/ Computer Assisted Milling) software to design the crown to match your other teeth in size, shape, and color. A ceramic block is then fed through the milling machine which creates the crown.
Benefits of Same-Day Dental Crowns
Although traditional crowns are still available and widely used, CERE same-day dental crowns offer unique benefits to patients.
- No need for a temporary crown while waiting for your permanent crown to arrive
- Saves time, since only one appointment is necessary
- CEREC crowns are made of high-quality ceramic
- May allow you to preserve more of your natural tooth
- Studies suggest CEREC crowns fit the teeth more precisely
- More natural-looking crown
- Cost-effective (no need for temporary crown, or multiple appointments)
- Durable (may last 10 years or longer before needing to be replaced)
How to Choose Between Traditional Crown and CEREC Crown
Many times, deciding between a traditional dental crown or a CEREC same-day crown comes down to personal choice. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a traditional crown. A common reason a dentist would recommend a traditional crown is if a molar is significantly damaged. Metal alloy crowns are a bit stronger and may be indicated for the teeth responsible for chewing. Likewise, if you grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend that you opt for a traditional dental crown. When in doubt about which type of crown is right for you, ask your dentist for their recommendation.
Caring for Dental Crowns
The type of crown you choose is not nearly as important as how you care for your dental crown. Irrespective of the type of crown you choose, you must continue to brush twice daily and floss daily. Regular dental exams and cleanings are a must. If you have a history of clenching or grinding your teeth you should obtain a custom night guard to protect the teeth.
Dental crowns are incredibly durable, but habits such as chewing on hard objects (candies, ice, or pens), biting your fingernails, or using your teeth as tools to open bottles or other items can damage your crown.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns
Does insurance pay for CEREC same-day crowns?
Check with your insurance plan for your coverage information. Most insurance companies offer the same coverage for same day crowns as they offer for traditional crowns. However, it is best to contact your company so that you understand your financial obligation.
Can I use third-party financing to pay for a same-day crown?
Yes. At Aliso Smiles, we gladly accept CareCredit for all dental treatments.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Cleaning in Aliso Viejo
If it's been six months or longer since your last dental exam and cleaning, it’s time to schedule an appointment. At Aliso Smiles, Dr. Patel utilizes all advanced technologies proven to enhance comfort, improve precision, and offer patients with outstanding outcomes. To schedule your appointment call 949-916-7800 or send us a message.
If you’re missing one or more teeth in a row, a dental bridge may be an excellent way to restore your smile to excellent health and appearance. Depending on the number of teeth you need to replace, you may even be able to choose the type of dental bridge you’d like to get. No matter what type of dental bridge you receive, you can expect it to take roughly two weeks for your dental bridge to settle. Here’s everything to know about dental bridges.
Dental Bridges for Missing Teeth
Research suggests that more than 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. Although you may think that tooth loss only happens to older adults, the reality is that 69% of people aged 35-44 are missing at least one tooth. With tooth loss so widespread in America, it’s no wonder dental bridges are so common.
There are four types of dental bridges. Traditional dental bridges are the most common. Traditional dental bridges bridge gaps in your smile by affixing crowns on either side of the gap. These crowns support the artificial tooth (pontic) that bridges the gap in your smile.
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge. However, instead of the bridge being supported by crowns on both sides of the gap, the bridge is supported by a single crown on one end of the gap.
A Maryland bridge relies on a metal structure cemented to the back of the teeth to support the artificial tooth or teeth that fill the gap in the smile.
Implant-supported bridges are growing in popularity. The reason? Dental implants that support the artificial teeth are incredibly durable and preserve the jaw bone and your facial appearance. Implant-supported bridges are often the strongest and sturdiest dental bridge restoration.
Dental Bridge Settling: What to Know
The process for getting a dental bridge typically takes several dental appointments. During your first appointment, your dentist will be preparing the teeth on either side of the gap to support the bridge. This typically involves removing a bit of enamel to prep the adjacent teeth. Your dentist will then take digital images and digital impressions. You may leave the appointment with temporary bridges and crowns.
During your next appointment, one of several procedures may be performed. If you’re getting an implant-supported bridge, you will have your dental implants placed. If you are getting a Maryland bridge the metal and bridge will be placed. If you’re getting a traditional bridge or cantilever bridge, your permanent crowns and the bridge will be placed.
A dental bridge can feel awkward initially. If you’ve been without a tooth or teeth for a while, the bridge is likely to feel unusual and may be uncomfortable or sensitive. Fortunately, the bridge should fully settle within two weeks, at which time it should no longer feel strange or uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Bridges
What are the alternatives to a dental bridge?
The premium alternative to a dental bridge is a dental implant. Dental implants are the only dental restoration that replicates the function of a natural tooth, and a tooth root. Other alternatives to dental bridges include partial dentures
How long will my dental bridge last?
Dental bridges are of higher quality than ever before. A dental bridge used to last just 5-7 years. Today, patients who practice excellent oral hygiene, and see their dentist regularly can expect their bridge to last 10 years or longer.
Schedule an Appointment to Replace Missing Teeth in Aliso Viejo
If you’re tired of living with missing teeth, schedule an appointment at Aliso Smiles in Aliso Viejo today by calling 949-916-7800 or sending us a message. Aliso Smiles is a Google 5-star reviewed dental practice providing comprehensive preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry for all ages.