Although the potential side effects of dental bridges are rare, you may still experience one of the following after you have the procedure. Bridges are a more invasive procedure than many other dental alternatives, but they are one of the most effective procedures at seamlessly closing large gaps without tapping into the jaw bone.
Ptyalism (Excessive Saliva)
After having dental bridges anchored in place, you have a fairly rare chance of coming down with ptyalism, an annoying but relatively harmless potential side effect of the procedure. If the crowns surrounding the bridge or the bridge itself is in contact with the Partoid gland, it will react to the pressure by producing excess saliva. This occurs when the bridge is installed in the upper molar area. Lower bridges may also result in excess saliva due to your tongue's movement over sub-lingual and sub-mandible glands as the tongue attempts to adjust to the new tooth. There is also a possibility that your mouth is producing excess saliva simply due to the new foreign object.
In any case, you will most likely experience a decrease in saliva over time and removal of the bridge will unlikely to be necessary. Nevertheless, you should have your bridge examined by your medical professional to rule out more substantial problems.
Tooth and Gum Infection
All dental work increases your chance of tooth and gum infection, particularly if the work exposes more of the tooth pulp, as does the prep work for dental bridges. If you experience tooth and gum infection, you will most likely experience it after your first visit, once your anchor teeth are shaved down and before your bridge is in place. Follow your medical professional's directions and keep the area clean to decrease your risk of infection.
Allergic Reaction
A fairly small percent of the population may experience an allergic reaction to the dental bridges procedure and material. The first danger is during the first visit, when the real teeth around the gap that will be anchoring the bridge are shaved down and you receive a local anesthetic to numb the area. You may experience redness, swelling, itchiness, burning, tenderness and excessive pain in the mouth or on the skin during this time, which is indicative of an allergic reaction. If this proves to be the case, the allergy should be detected before you leave the dentist's or cosmetic specialist's office and you will be subsequently treated.
However, you may experience an allergic reaction to the composite resin, gold or silver amalgam material sometimes used to make the bridges. Alternative materials are available, but it may be difficult to remove the bridge without damaging the teeth used to anchor it in place. However, should you experience any of the symptoms listed above after the procedure, contact your medical professional immediately.
If you think you're experiencing any of the side effects of dental bridges, particularly an allergic reaction, speak with your dentist or cosmetic specialist as soon as possible. Even if the side effect proves harmless, you should make sure that everything that can be done to make you feel more comfortable with your bridge is attempted.
