Dental bridges are the ideal restoration for patients missing a few teeth in a row, and if you have one, you’re probably quite thankful for how easy and thoughtless it makes daily tasks like chewing, speaking, and even smiling. That said, you might be starting to worry about its lifespan and the possibility of it failing. Here are some of the reasons why a dental bridge may fail, along with how you can prevent it and get the most mileage out of your restoration!
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
This is probably the most significant and common reason that dental bridges fail. If you don’t brush or floss every day at home, the natural teeth that surround your dental bridge—and ultimately give it its support—can develop decay that causes them to weaken. If this happens, you’ll end up with ever more missing teeth than before! Likewise, gum disease can threaten any remaining natural teeth if brushing and flossing habits aren’t maintained.
2. Bad Lifestyle Habits
A lot of bad habits can also cause dental bridge failure. One example is biting into hard objects frequently, including ice cubes, pen caps, and even fingernails. Likewise, continually eating very hard and crunchy foods might cause damage to a dental bridge. Of course, smoking and using tobacco is also a huge problem for oral health in general, and if your mouth isn’t healthy, your dental bridge’s lifespan will be shorter.
3. Skipping Dental Checkups
Just because you don’t have all your natural teeth does not mean you should neglect seeing your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning—even if you have excellent at-home hygiene. These visits let your dental team remove any built-up plaque or tartar throughout your smile, and just as importantly, it lets your dentist examine your bridge for signs of damage or early failure. Not all issues are noticeable to the untrained eye, and you might let a problem go unnoticed before it becomes a serious, costly, or painful issue. Plus, if repairs or a replacement ends up being needed, you’ll already be in the right place.
With the right care, dental bridges should last for several years, but if yours starts to feel funny, fit incorrectly, or look different, don’t wait around; get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Jared Thompson and Dr. Kindel Bailey, our team here at Pacific Oak Dental has served the needs of those in Forest Grove and the surrounding communities for several years. We offer a wide range of dental services, from routine preventive care like checkups and cleanings to tried-and-true restorative treatments like dental bridges. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, you can reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (503) 357-9122.