Dental bridges are excellent ways to restore a few consecutive missing teeth, but while they are incredibly durable, they are not invincible. Just like a bridge between islands, a bridge between teeth can fail if it does not receive proper care and maintenance. The problems won’t always be limited to the dental bridge because improper hygiene can lead to the loss of the teeth anchoring the appliance in place. Here are a few reasons a dental bridge might fail along with some tips to help prevent that from happening.
Your Dental Bridge Can Break
Breakage is a common cause of dental bridge failure. There are many things that can lead to it, such as:
- Lack of proper oral hygiene.
- Dental injuries due to an accident.
- Teeth grinding as a stress response or as an involuntary habit while sleeping.
- Biting down too forcefully on hard candies or other crunchy food items.
If your dental bridge breaks, the first step is to remain calm and schedule an emergency dentist’s appointment as soon as possible. At your appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and mouth so that any possible complications can be treated. Your bridge will be repaired or replaced, and you may be given a temporary one to wear until the process is completed. Alternatively, you may choose to switch to a different treatment option such as a partial denture or dental implants. If teeth grinding broke your bridge, addressing the underlying issues or wearing a bite guard at night can solve the issue.
Your Dental Bridge Can Become Dislodged from the Abutment Teeth
Dental bridges remain in place by being attached to crowns cemented to the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. These crowns conceal much of the abutment teeth’s natural structure, meaning that in some cases tooth decay can go undetected for a long time. This may continue until these teeth no longer have enough strength to hold the crowns in place, at which point the crowns can slip off and the bridge can fall out of place. This can also happen due to blunt force trauma or the crowns fitting poorly to begin with.
The best way to prevent this is by attending regular dental appointments and practicing excellent oral hygiene with a daily regimen of brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash. If your bridge does fall off the abutment teeth, you should remain calm and schedule an emergency dentist appointment so your bridge can be repaired or replaced. If the abutment teeth are too decayed to support them anymore, they may be able to be replaced with implants.
A dental bridge should be a long-term investment that can restore your beautiful smile for years to come. Taking good care of it now can prevent any problems in the future, and knowing what to do if it fails can help you attain the best possible result.
About the Practice
Seaside Family Dentistry provides comfortable and effective healthcare to the community of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Led by Dr. Alan Kellner, the friendly staff goes above and beyond to offer personalized care that keeps the focus on the patient’s priorities. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental bridge treatments. For more information on caring for your dental bridge, contact the office online or dial (954) 771-7636.