Why Do Dental Bridges Sometimes Fail?

Dental bridges are among the most effective methods for replacing missing teeth—these handy little devices are able to easily restore two or three lost teeth in a row! However, no solution is truly permanent; even with optimal care, bridges typically last for 10 or so years before they need to be replaced. That said, it’s important to be mindful of some of the things that potentially trigger dental bridge failure. Keep reading to learn more about some of these causes along with what you can do to keep your bridge in fantastic shape.

Common Causes of Dental Bridge Failure

There are many things that can cause your dental bridge to fail, but a few common reasons include:

• Poor oral hygiene – An unclean mouth will often result in all sorts of oral health issues that can compromise your bridge, including tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
• Bad oral habits – Biting into hard food or objects, clenching and grinding your teeth, and smoking are all poor habits that can be hazardous for your bridge.
• Inadequate support – Your bridge can’t function properly without adequate support from your jawbone; dental implants are sometimes needed to facilitate this.
• Cheap materials – If your bridge is made of cheap materials, it’s much more susceptible to failure compared to a high-quality bridge.
• Skipping dental visits – Your bridge still needs professional care, just like your natural teeth. Your dentist can clean them and check their integrity.

When To Visit Your Dentist

It’s important to be able to identify when your dental bridge is failing. If you’re noticing any of these warning signs, you should contact your dentist promptly:

• Tooth or gum sensitivity near your bridge.
• Chips, cracks, or other noticeable damage to your bridge.
• Pain when biting, chewing, or cleaning around your bridge.
• The bridge feels loose.

How to Prevent Dental Bridge Failure

The absolute best way to prevent dental bridge failure is by taking excellent care of your smile. Fortunately, this is relatively simple as your bridge doesn’t need any specialized care on your part. You’ll need to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and dentists also recommend using a special flossing tool that effectively cleans the gaps between the gums and bridge. You should also consider rinsing daily with an antibacterial mouthwash. Of course, visiting your dentist regularly is also crucial; not only are they able to thoroughly clean your smile and inspect your bridge for irregularities, but they’re also a fantastic resource for additional information about how to care for your bridge.

Even though dental bridges are meant to replace your missing teeth, they can still fail if you aren’t diligent—and you don’t want to have to replace your replacement! That said, knowing what expedites bridge failure and taking steps to prevent it will ensure that your bridge can do its job.

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey F. Hermen received his dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Oklahoma City area for several years. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including restorative options like dental bridges. If you suspect your dental bridge is failing or have any other questions for Dr. Hermen, you can contact his practice online or over the phone for assistance: (405) 621-2100.