What Is An Abscessed Tooth?
Bacterial infection can cause a lot of problems, especially when it comes to our teeth. A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus and infection that
September 26, 2023
A dental bridge is one of the best options for a patient looking to replace a lost tooth or lost teeth. A dental bridge works by anchoring false teeth next to or in between existing teeth. Dental bridges are often covered by different dental insurance plans as a restorative procedure. By comparison, dental implants (another tooth replacement option) is sometimes not covered by insurance because of the additional costs. Additionally, dental implants are often provided by less dental practices as it requires oral surgery. For these reasons, many patients opt for dental bridges over implants, but that still leaves patients with many questions like how long do bridges lasts, how can I take care of my dental bridge, and when should I see a dentist regarding my dental bridge. In this article, we will answer all of these questions. However, if you are in Greater Boston and have some specific questions about your own teeth or bridge, please give us a call!
A dental bridge’s lifespan is affected by a few factors. That said, the most important thing to consider is that a dental bridge is not invincible. Just like your own teeth, if you don’t take care of your dental bridge, or do things like grinding your teeth (also known as bruxism), you could greatly decrease the lifespan of a dental bridge. On average, many dental professionals estimate that a bridge will last 5-7 years, that said, with proper care a bridge could last longer and even for a lifetime.
It is very important to consider ways to improve the lifespan of your dental bridge. Just like your normal teeth, your bridge can be damaged in a few different ways. Dental decay might not affect the false teeth in the bridge, but it can affect the abutment teeth. An abutment tooth is the tooth that is used as an anchor for the bridge. Dental decay is sometimes at a higher risk after getting a dental bridge, because more of the tooth is now exposed. Severe decay can effect how the bridge connects to these teeth and eventually cause the bridge to break.
Additionally a bridge can be worn down or broken by blunt force. Chewing on hard objects like ice can put pressure on the join between the dental bridge and the abutment teeth. And if you grind your teeth, this could also add pressure to the bridge. The best ways to prevent damage to your bridge is to avoid chewing on hard objects and foods, be aware of signs of grinding (i.e. jaw soreness, migraines, etc.), and see your dentist regurarly.
If you have a dental bridge and you notice that it feels loose or feels different, you should not wait for your next dental appointment. You should always make immediate appointments if your bridge is broken or feels off in any way. If a bridge is damaged, your dentist can fix it or replace it as needed. Additionally, seeing a dentist twice per year can ensure that your bridge is checked and looked after so that damage is noted before it becomes a problem.
If you live in Greater Boston or in Revere and need to see a dentist about a missing tooth, a dental bridge, or other restorative dental services like dentures, please give us a call, we would be happy to help!
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