Dental bridges offer a sturdy, reliable, and cost-effective form of tooth replacement. They are also durable; with proper care, your restoration might endure for 10 – 15 years or even longer! However, they are not guaranteed to last that long. In some cases, circumstances arise that lead to dental bridge failure. What could cause a bridge to fail, and how can you protect yours from such a sad outcome? This blog post provides helpful information.
Missteps in Oral Hygiene
A dental bridge cannot develop cavities. However, the teeth that it is attached to, known as the abutment teeth, are still vulnerable to decay. If they become weakened, the bridge that they support may fail.
Sadly, some people do not thoroughly clean around their abutment teeth. A lack of good habits may allow bacteria to sneak beneath your bridge and cause damage. Therefore, you should make it your goal to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. It would also be wise to use a floss threader to clean the tight space between your bridge.
Physical Trauma
If a dental bridge is subjected to too much force, it could suffer significant damage. To protect your restoration from physical trauma, you should:
- Avoid biting down on hard objects, such as jawbreaker candies and ice cubes. You should also be cautious when eating food with hard parts, such as popcorn and bone-in meats.
- Avoid teeth grinding and clenching. If you tend to grind and clench while you are asleep, ask your dentist if you can get a custom mouthguard to protect your smile.
- Wear a mouthguard when you participate in sports. This can greatly reduce the risk of damage to your entire smile, including your bridge.
Lack of Bone Support
The abutment teeth that support your bridge are anchored in the jawbone. Sadly, gum disease or other factors could damage that bone, causing it to lose its strength and size. The damage could become so severe that the abutment teeth loosen and are no longer able to keep your bridge sturdy and secure. Excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can do much to keep gum disease at bay.
Lack of Regular Professional Care
It should be your goal to visit your dentist once every six months for a checkup and cleaning. During these appointments, your dental team can inspect your bridge for signs of damage and give you personalized coaching to help it last as long as possible. Neglecting routine dental visits might contribute to early bridge failure.
Your dental bridge could serve you well for many years, but only if you do your best to avoid circumstances that might cause it to fail.
Meet the Practice
Wolfe Dental of Hillsboro is proud to be home to four talented dentists. They have many years of combined experience in their field, and they are eager to put their expertise to work for patients. Whether you suspect you need a bridge, or you would like help to care for your current restoration, our team is ready to serve you. To learn more about us or request a consultation, contact our friendly staff at 503-844-6550.