Dental bridges can last for several years. However, they must be repaired or replaced over time. Dental bridges fill the gap made by missing teeth. Often, they are anchored to the adjacent natural teeth. Your dental bridges in Winnipeg, MB, are meant to restore your bite and keep the natural shape of your face. Keep reading to learn more about when it’s time to replace your bridges and how they can get damaged:
How Dental Bridges Fail
Dental bridge failure occurs when you do not take care of them properly. Without proper oral care, mouth bacteria can enter under your dental bridge through the crown, causing decay in the natural teeth. Also, your dental bridges can fail because of changes to supporting teeth, habits such as teeth grinding or chewing on a hard object, and lack of proper dental care.
When to Have Your Bridge Fixed
A dental bridge is an effective solution for missing teeth. But it is not a permanent solution. Often, dental bridges last 5-7 years. However, since your natural teeth are covered, you may not be able to see any signs of decay. When you experience sensitivity in your teeth or gums around the bridge, this could mean the bridge must be repaired.
In addition, a crack in the bridge or pain or sensitivity when you chew food or brush your teeth could also indicate something is wrong with your dental bridge. Sometimes, the bridge may not fit perfectly in your mouth. If it is loose, you must visit your dentist and have it adjusted.
Dental Bridge Repair
How your dentist will repair your bridge depends on why it failed. If it is because of the abutment tooth, the dentist will have to remove your bridge. Typically, fixed bridges are cemented to your abutment teeth. In this case, the dentist will have to break the original bridge to remove it. After treating the supporting teeth, the dentist will make a replacement bridge.
It is not possible to restore the abutment teeth; they need to be replaced with dental implants to support the new bridge. Also, the abutment teeth and your missing teeth can be replaced with implants. Additionally, if the bridge’s porcelain coating is fractured or chipped and the bridge is fine, the dentist may just repair the coating.
Good oral care habits must be practiced to increase the lifespan of your dental bridges. Brushing your teeth twice every day can prevent the formation of cavities and plaque as well as the decay of your abutment teeth. If you think your bridge needs repair, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.