Any dentists about?

[opalescent]

I had a new bridge fitted last week- a 'sticky' bridge i.e no drilling or prep needed, it's just stuck between two neighbouring ones.

Over the last few days the gum under and around it has got quite inflamed and tender. I am cleaning the whole area thoroughly twice a day.

I popped back yesterday and he shaved a bit of 'extra material' away and said it should be fine. But it still feels the same . The bridge itself feels fine, it's the gum under and next to it that's bothering me:

It's not terrible, but I'm scared I'm going to get stuck dealing with something bad when all the dentists might be shutting due to corona...what might this be? Might it settle on it's own?

Bump

Hopeful bump!x

Hi OP, I'm a dentist.

Obviously I haven't seen you but there are 3 potential causes:

1. you aren't brushing well enough, bridges are different to teeth and so new techniques are required and this can take time to get used to. Did the dentist show you how to clean under the bridge with superfloss? Or a single tufted brush?

2. there is some glue/the bridge is irritating your gums in some way. Going back should have sorted this

3. the placing of the bridge irritated your gums a little. This is fairly normal and will go down

Inflammation is normally a problem when it does on for long periods, normally years. Whilst obviously we don't want inflam of your gums you aren't going to come to any long term harm if it remains like that for a few months, it's not going to blow up into an abscess or toothache, it is just going to be a bit irritating and sore at most. So don't worry, it's nothing to be too concerned about at this stage

I would give it some time to see if it improves. Make sure you are cleaning under the bridge fully. Normally for this I recommend super floss which is designed for bridges, you can soak this in some corsodyl and pass it under the bridge and sweep from side to side.

I think most dental practices are going to stop most treatment but emergencies because of coronavirus. So you might be hard pressed to get anything done about it properly for a while, but if it doesn't settle with good cleaning for a couple of weeks go back as there could be some glue that's stuck and there are things dentists can do that don't involve drills.

This is hugely reassuring Dish, I am very grateful to you for writing such a detailed reply!
I have some teepee brushes, but will order some superfloss as well.
I am fairly vigilant about cleaning, but of course this is a new set-up, so perhaps I'm just not quite cutting in.

I feel much better about the situation after reading your message, thanks again .