How long does a dental bridge last?
Patients who are missing one more teeth in an area of their mouth have a great treatment option with dental bridges. It is especially beneficial to patients who are unable to endure the process of dental implants. A dental bridge is a type of prosthesis that relies on the support of adjacent teeth for stability.
How long does a dental bridge last?
It is possible to make your dental bridge last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. One of the biggest factors that determine the success of your bridge is the anchor teeth. A traditional bridge is fabricated as one piece with a fake tooth sandwiched between two crowns which are cemented onto the healthy teeth either side of the space. The anchor teeth are prepared for crowns which means that a small amount of tooth structure is removed from every surface to allow the crown to snuggly fit over the tooth.
It is possible to develop decay under a crown and if that occurs on a crown anchoring your bridge, you may have to have a new bridge placed. There is also a possibility of some degree of bone loss in the area of your bridge. The roots of our teeth act as a stimulation source for our jawbone, signaling the bone to continually regenerate. When the root is missing, the bone cells in that area take their energy elsewhere and the bone can begin to break down and lead to an ill-fitting bridge.
In the case of bone loss, you may need to have a bone graft placed before a new bridge can be placed.
Care and Maintenance
Your dentist and hygienist will be the best source of information to help you learn how to properly care for your dental bridge. It is important to clean your bridge thoroughly every day using floss threaders so that you can floss under your bridge. A lot of patients find that a water flossing tool is easier to use to get up under that bridge and clean everything out. Without using some sort of flossing product, food particles can become trapped under the bridge and cause decay and your anchoring teeth.
Your dentist may also advise incorporating fluoride products into your oral care routine to help strengthen your teeth and prevent decay. At each professional cleaning, your dentist will evaluate your bridge to make sure that everything is stable and secure so don't skip out on your regular visits!
Ensuring the Longevity of Your Dental Bridge
Taking the time to properly care for and maintain your oral health is going to give you the best results in the longevity of your dental bridge. Decay is the biggest culprit of failing dental restorations so maintaining a healthy diet and good oral hygiene can ensure success.
Almost all patients are able to keep their dental bridge for at least 10 years but if you practice proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly, you may be able to extend the life of your bridge.