If you have a tooth that is too far gone to save and is located between two other healthy teeth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge. These are devices that suspend a custom-crafted artificial tooth in the space between your existing teeth.
The benefit of a dental bridge is that it allows you to have full use of all of your teeth for chewing, biting, and swallowing. The drawback is that because the dental bridge is “floating” between your two other teeth, there is a gap between the top of the tooth and the gum line.
Cleaning Dental Bridges
Some dental bridges are removable. These types of bridges are typically held in place with wires that snap into place, holding the new artificial tooth firmly in place by connecting it to the neighboring teeth. Cleaning these types of bridges is easy: You can just pop it out, clean it, and put it back in.
But some patients complain that removable bridges aren’t secure, the wires can sometimes cause discomfort, and cosmetically they can sometimes be seen when you open your mouth. So another solution is a permanent bridge, which is cemented to the adjoining tooth in the same way a crown is cemented into place on a single tooth.
Permanent Bridges
So as the name implies, a permanent bridge can’t be easily removed because it is held in place with a strong, durable dental adhesive. So cleaning the area between the top of the new tooth and the gumline requires more than just brushing or traditional flossing.
One solution is a small plastic device into which you can thread a piece of floss and then pull it between the thin space to clean the area and remove any trapped food debris. Another less labor-intensive solution is to use a water pick to blast the area with a gentle wash of water.