If you are missing one or more of your teeth, things like eating, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence can be challenging. Fortunately, there are multiple tooth replacement options out there that can restore the function and appearance of the teeth. Dental bridges are a great solution for those who are missing one or a couple of consecutive teeth, but they do have a small chance of failing. Here’s how this can happen and what you can do to avoid them.
Poor Oral Hygiene
The most common reason for dental bridge failure is poor oral hygiene. If you have a bridge, you need to be very thorough when it comes to your dental care routine at home. If you aren’t taking the time to brush twice and floss every day, you are putting your dental bridge and the rest of your smile at increased risk.
Insufficient Abutment Teeth
Your abutment teeth are the ones that support your dental bridge. However, if they aren’t healthy enough, there will be issues. If there is an uneven distribution of the bridge on the surrounding teeth due to one of them but being supportive enough, this can result in trauma and ultimately, dental bridge failure.
Bad Habits
Various bad habits can put your dental bridge at risk. Some common ones include nail biting, chewing on pens and pencils, eating stick foods, teethy grinding, and munching 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, neither will your abutment teeth. They will be much less likely to be able to support a dental bridge. When you don’t have enough bone support, your bridge and surrounding teeth are more likely to fail. During your consultation, it will be determined if you are a good candidate for a dental bridge.
Skipping Dental Checkups
When you go to your regular dental visits, your dentist checks to ensure that your bridge is in good condition. Your hygienist will clear away plaque and tartar buildups that could lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these issues can result in dental bridge failure if they are left unaddressed.
Dental bridges aren’t completely indestructible, but they can last for up to 15 years when cared for properly. By taking steps every day to keep them in good shape, you will be showing off your complete smile for many years down the road!
About the Practice
At Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center, Dr. Stephen Boyles and Dr. Franklin Boyles work together to treat patients in the Midland community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof! For more information on dental bridges or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (432) 685-7011.