Are you missing teeth? One of the great things about living in today’s world is the fact that you don’t need to settle for gaps in your smile. Missing teeth can be a thing of the past thanks to tooth replacement options, including dental bridges. While they are strong and reliable, dental bridges are not indestructible. It is important that you know the common causes of dental bridge failures to they you can take steps to avoid them. Continue reading to learn what they are.
Poor Oral Hygiene
The most common reason why people experience dental bridge failures is because of poor oral hygiene. If you have a bridge, you need to be very thorough when it comes to your dental hygiene regimen. If you aren’t brushing twice and flossing once daily, you are putting your bridge at risk.
Insufficient Abutment Teeth
Your abutment teeth are the ones that are supporting your dental bridge. However, if they aren’t healthy enough, there will be issues. If there is any uneven distribution of the bridge on the surrounding teeth due to one of them not being supportive, it can result in trauma and dental bridge failure.
Bad Habits
There are many different bad habits that could put your dental bridge at risk. Some common ones include nail biting, chewing on pens or pencils, eating sticky and tough foods, teeth grinding and clenching, and munching down on ice cubes. If you have one or more of these habits, a bridge failure could be in your future.
Poor Jawbone Support
When your jawbone isn’t sufficient enough, neither will your abutment teeth. They will be much less likely to be able to support a dental bridge. With poor bone support comes a greater chance that your bridge will fail, and you will need to opt for another tooth replacement option.
Skipping Dental Visits
Wherever you go to your regular dental visits, your dentist will check to ensure that your bridge is still in good shape. Your hygienist will clear away plaque and tartar buildups that could lead to decay of the surrounding teeth and periodontal disease. Both of these issues can cause a dental bridge failure.
As previously stated, dental bridges are not indestructible, but they can last up to 15 years if you care for them properly. By taking steps every single day to keep them in good shape, you will be showing off your restored smile for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. John Verbeyst is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field doe more than two decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is committed to continuing education in order to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and Rhode Island Dental Association, where he is a Past-President. For more information on dental bridges or to schedule an appointment at his office in North Kingstown, visit his website or call (401) 295-5511.