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Dental bridges are one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth (or several false teeth) that is held in place by dental implants or two or more crowns affixed to neighbouring teeth.
The artificial teeth are glued to the crowns, and the crowns are cemented to adjacent teeth, resulting in a robust and stable bridge support.
Bridges, like any other dental procedure, have pros and cons. So, before you decide whether or not to rebuild your smile with a dental bridge, here's what you should know about the benefits and drawbacks of dental bridges.
What Happens When A Dental Bridge Fails?
The average dental bridge can last between 10-15 years if properly cared for. Failure occurs for a variety of causes. Some may occur as a result of poor dental hygiene, while others may occur through no fault of your own.
The following are the most typical reasons for dental bridge failure:
Inadequate Support:
When the abutment teeth used to support the dental bridge lack the appropriate structure, your teeth can become imbalanced. As a result of the trauma caused by chewing and biting down on the repair, it fails.
Poor Oral Hygiene:
If you ignore your regular dental hygiene practice (brushing, flossing, and rinsing), your dental bridge may fail. To prevent bacteria from accessing sensitive areas of your smile, brush twice a day for two minutes and floss every day.
To keep your repair in top shape, you must understand how to conduct these activities correctly.
Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits:
Eating ice, biting on inanimate things, and using your teeth as tools can all cause substantial harm to your restoration. While they can resist regular day-to-day pressure, these unhealthy habits frequently put excessive strain on the bridge, resulting in chips, cracks, and breaks.
A lack of bone support, infrequent dental examinations, and inferior restorative materials are all potential causes of dental bridge failure.
Can A Dental Bridge Cause Problems?
If you have a dental bridge or are considering getting one, it's essential to be aware of potential issues that may arise.
While dental bridges are a popular and effective solution for restoring missing teeth, like any dental procedure, they can present some challenges.
In this article, we will explore common dental bridge problems and offer practical tips to help you maintain a healthy and confident smile.
Sensitivity and Discomfort:
One of the most common issues experienced with dental bridges is sensitivity or discomfort. This can occur when the bridge is not properly fitted or when it places excessive pressure on neighbouring teeth.
If you're experiencing discomfort, it's crucial to visit your dentist promptly to identify the underlying cause and make necessary adjustments.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste or a mouthwash to alleviate sensitivity.
Food Trapping:
Another challenge that patients may face with dental bridges is food trapping. Small food particles can get stuck around the bridge and become difficult to remove, leading to bad breath or gum irritation.
To prevent this issue, it's crucial to practice diligent oral hygiene. Regularly flossing around the bridge, using a water flosser, or interdental brushes can help dislodge any trapped food particles and maintain a clean and healthy mouth.
Gum and Tissue Irritation:
Gum and tissue irritation can occur if the dental bridge doesn't fit properly or if there is inadequate space for proper oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can lead to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria around the bridge, causing gum inflammation and potential infections.
To avoid this problem, be sure to follow your dentist's instructions for proper oral care, including regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. If you notice any signs of gum irritation or infection, consult your dentist immediately.
Bridge Fracture or Damage:
Although dental bridges are designed to be durable, they can occasionally suffer from fractures or damage. Chewing on hard or sticky foods, grinding your teeth, or accidentally biting down on a hard object can increase the risk of bridge damage.
If you suspect that your bridge is damaged or fractured schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They will assess the extent of the damage and provide appropriate solutions, such as repairing or replacing the bridge if necessary.
Bone and Gum Recession:
Over time, some patients may experience bone and gum recession around the dental bridge area.
This can happen due to factors like ageing, poor oral hygiene, or natural gum tissue changes. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for detecting any signs of recession early on.
Your dentist can provide guidance on maintaining healthy gums and bone density through proper oral care techniques and, if needed, recommend additional treatments to address the recession.
To avoid the possibility of dental bridge failure, you must commit to caring for your new smile. This necessitates sticking to your dental hygiene practice and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Professional dental care is just as vital as at-home dental practices, so don't keep rescheduling or cancelling appointments out of a lack of time, money, or fear.
You'll also need to give up bad habits that can harm your restoration and force you to spend more money to restore your smile.
This includes keeping sugarless gum on hand in case you get the temptation to chew on a pen or pencil or eat ice. Also, if you're having trouble flossing or brushing appropriately around your dental bridge, consult your dentist.
They will show you how to clean your repair correctly to keep bacteria out.
Final Thoughts
Keeping these guidelines in mind will do more than just help you keep your dental bridge in good condition for a longer period of time.
They will also strive to improve your overall oral health, allowing you to feel confident in your newer, healthier smile.
While dental bridge problems can occur, being aware of the risks and practising proper oral hygiene can help to mitigate their impact.
Remember to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and to treat any issues as soon as possible. With regular maintenance, your dental bridge can give you a beautiful smile as well as functional teeth for many years to come.
