Can a Dental Bridge Cause Sinus Problems?
Tooth loss leads to various issues with your smile, speech and dietary habits. Therefore, when you have a missing tooth or several, the dentist near you will advise you to replace it. One of the dental treatments suitable for restoring missing teeth is dental bridges. Read on to learn about dental bridges near you and their possible complications.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
It is a dental appliance used by dental professionals to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge has artificial teeth that fill the gap created by tooth loss. The device can be made from metallic, porcelain, or ceramic materials. It can be used to replace both front teeth and back teeth. The dentist will customize your bridge based on its location in your mouth.
A dental bridge for front teeth dentist in Fort Valley is custom-made to appear natural. The dentist will use tooth-colored materials for fabricating the crowns. They will then place the bridges perfectly to complement your facial symmetry. When placing a bridge on the back teeth, they will use strong materials for the crowns to withstand the expected chewing pressure.
Dental bridges correct bite problems and chewing and speaking difficulties caused by tooth loss. They also relieve pain caused by the extra stress on your teeth and jaw when you chew with a missing tooth. In addition, they improve your smile and correct facial sagging helping you to look younger and more attractive.
Types of Dental Bridges
When you visit the dentist for dental bridges near you, they will provide various options. They will recommend a bridge based on your oral health and the location of the lost teeth. Some of the types of dental bridges they may recommend are:
- Traditional bridge
This bridge consists of two or more crowns and a false tooth or teeth that are all connected. The custom-made crowns are located on either side of the gap and anchor the bridge in your mouth. Traditional bridges are small, natural-looking, lightweight and provide excellent chewing comfort.
- Cantilever bridge
These bridges are ideal for people with teeth on only a single side of the gap. They consist of crowns attached to the existing abutment tooth for support and a false tooth. Your dentist will design the bridge appropriately based on the biting forces of the tooth being replaced.
- Maryland dental bridge
These are also known as resin-bonded bridges. They are ideal for replacing missing front teeth. Maryland dental bridges are made of porcelain fused to ceramic or metal teeth and a supporting framework. They contain wings which are bonded to existing teeth to support the false teeth.
- Implant-supported bridge
These bridges resemble traditional ones but are anchored to the mouth with dental implants. Your dentist will fix the dental implant in your jawbone and then attach a dental bridge to it. Several patients prefer implant-supported bridges. There is no damage to the teeth adjacent to the gap and they prevent jawbone loss. Also, they are stable, natural-looking and easy to clean.
Can Dental Bridges Cause Sinus Problems?
Yes, dental bridges can cause sinus problems. However, the issues only occur with implant-supported bridges placed in the upper back teeth. Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull which are connected to your nasal cavity. They are four sets of sinuses. Those affected by dental work are right above the upper back teeth within the cheekbones.
Sinus problems after bridge placement occur if the sinuses are accidentally perforated. The problem usually happens if you have an inadequate jawbone at the implant’s site. Fortunately, it can be avoided if you visit a competent and experienced dentist near you.
When the sinuses have an issue, you will experience headaches, facial tenderness and pressure pain that does not ease. You will also have pain in the upper teeth or referred pain that spreads to your lower teeth. Other symptoms are reduced sense of taste and smell, runny nose and mucus drainage down your throat.
Conclusion
Sinus problems after dental bridge placement are a possible complication. However, you can avoid them by getting your bridges from the experts at Whitaker Family Dentistry. Our dental team is trained and experienced in placing all types of dental bridges. In addition, we have the appropriate dental equipment to help prevent such issues. Book your appointment today.