Tooth loss is a serious oral health problem that can lead to a host of issues like uneven enamel erosion, dental drift, misalignments, gum injuries, trouble eating and speaking, and further tooth loss. Thankfully, dentists can replace lost pearly whites with beautiful and functional restorations such as dental bridges, but these appliances can fail early if they don’t receive proper care. Here’s a quick look at how dental bridges work, who they can help, and how you can keep your device in excellent condition.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a train of one or more artificial teeth supported by two dental crowns or implants, and they can be used to replace a single or several sequential missing teeth. A traditional dental bridge is supported by crowns and usually replaces only one or two teeth, and it may last seven years or more with proper care. An implant bridge, on the other hand, can support up to four artificial teeth and can last considerably longer since it is securely anchored to the jawbone.
What Breaks Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges typically fail for reasons like:
- Injury: A fall or a blow to the face may break a bridge loose from the teeth or the implants supporting it or may snap it in half altogether. They can also be damaged by poor oral habits like grinding and aggressive chewing.
- Infection: Infections of the teeth supporting the crowns or gum tissue supporting the implants can loosen or break loose a dental bridge.
If your dental bridge is loose or dislodged, your dentist may be able to fix it back in place depending on how severely it is damaged. If the appliance is broken in half, it will probably need replacement.
How Can I Keep My Dental Bridge in Great Shape?
Excellent oral hygiene and appliance maintenance habits are the best ways to keep your bridge in excellent condition for as long as possible. Keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Brush and floss every day while taking special care to clean around your implants or along the seam between your crowns and your natural dental structure.
- Be mindful when chewing so you don’t put excessive stress on your bridge.
- Protect your smile from injury by wearing a nightguard or a sportsguard when necessary. Your dentist can provide you with a customized nightguard that offers superior protection.
Don’t let poor appliance care wreck your dental bridge. Consulting with your dentist can help you keep your smile in great shape.
About the Practice
Dental Center of Lakewood offers excellent oral healthcare to the community of Dallas. Led by Drs. Travis Spillman and Jacquelyn Green, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental bridges. To learn more about proper dental bridge care, contact the office online or dial (214) 823-5253.