Dental bridges can replace one or several missing teeth in a row, and modern models are so incredibly lifelike that they blend seamlessly into the rest of your smile and so amazingly comfortable that you might forget that they are there. They are also quite durable and can last for fifteen years or more with excellent care. Here’s a brief guide to helping your dental bridge stay in great shape for as long as it can.
What Is the Lifespan of a Dental Bridge?
While dentists have varying opinions on how long dental bridges can last, their lifespans typically range between four and fifteen years. The most important factors in how long your bridge can last include your oral hygiene routine, your dietary habits, and your lifestyle. Some dentists report that a bridge can last for a lifetime if it is consistently and incredibly well-cared for.
What Can Cause My Dental Bridge to Fail?
The biggest threats to your dental bridge are tooth decay, gum disease, and oral injuries. If your bridge is secured by crowns placed on the teeth on either side of a gap, tooth decay in these teeth can make it necessary for the bridge to be removed so the infection can be addressed. After this treatment, the bridge may need to be replaced. If your dental bridge is anchored by dental implants, gum disease increases the likelihood that these titanium posts will fail. Oral injuries, such as those sustained while playing sports or using your teeth as tools, can also damage your bridge.
How Can I Care for My Dental Bridge?
The best ways to prevent oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease include practicing excellent oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly for routine exams and cleanings, and limiting your sugar intake. This will eliminate accumulations of both harmful oral bacteria and the food supply they need to multiply. To prevent oral injuries, wear a mouthguard when playing sports or riding a bike or a nightguard to bed if you grind in your sleep, and never use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles, as this can damage both your teeth and your dental bridge.
Your dental bridge should be a long-term investment. With the proper care, it can work beautifully and effectively for many years.
About the Author
Barker, Rohner & Hunt DMD offers the finest dental health services to the community of Raleigh, NC. Led by Drs. Bruce Barker, Walter Rohner, and Brandon Hunt, the staff ensures that each patient receives compassionate and holistic care that effectively addresses their concerns. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental bridges. To learn more about caring for your dental bridge, contact the office online or dial (919) 847-7100.