Common problems with dental bridges

Here are 3 problems that bridges may be causing:

• Decay is forming underneath the crowns of the bridge. It's harder to maintain good oral hygiene with a dental bridge, but it's incredibly important to keep the surrounding teeth and gums free of bacteria. ...
• The bridge looks unnatural. ...
• The bridge is ill-fitting.

1. How do I know if my dental bridge is failing?
2. Can a bridge be removed and put back on?
3. Is it common for a dental bridge to fall out?
4. What should you avoid with a dental bridge?
5. What is the average life of a dental bridge?
6. How long does it take for a dental bridge to feel normal?
7. Can a dentist adjust a bridge?
8. How do dentists remove a bridge?
9. Why does my bridge hurt when I bite down?
10. Can you chew gum with bridges?
11. Can teeth decay under a bridge?
12. What causes a dental bridge to loosen?
13. What happens when a dental bridge fails?
14. What is the failure rate of dental bridges?
15. What causes a dental bridge to fail?
16. What happens when a dental bridge wears out?

How do I know if my dental bridge is failing?

Signs That Your Dental Bridge Needs Repair

Sensitivity in the teeth or gums near your bridge. Pain when chewing or brushing. Chips or cracks in the bridge. Feeling like your bridge is loose.

Can a bridge be removed and put back on?

Loose bridges can often be easily removed and repaired, allowing your dentist to recement the bridge into place. However, the cement used to bond a bridge in place is designed to last for many years and it is not always possible to remove a bridge without causing damage to the support of surrounding teeth.

Is it common for a dental bridge to fall out?

Dental bridges are durable restorations; they typically last for 10 years or longer before replacement becomes necessary. Occasionally, though, a bridge can fall out before its time.

What should you avoid with a dental bridge?

Hard foods require reasonable pressure to crush them, and this pressure can damage or fracture the bridge's structure, and a replacement bridge would be required. So, you should avoid foods like popcorn kernels, chips, raw carrots, and hard candies after a dental bridge to make it lasts longer.

What is the average life of a dental bridge?

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last? According to the Cleveland Clinic, dental bridges need to be replaced about every 5 to 7 years; however, the University of Rochester Medical Center reports they can also last for a decade or longer with the right care.

How long does it take for a dental bridge to feel normal?

Since a dental bridge is new to your mouth, it might take about two weeks to adjust to it fully. After that, the fixed bridge will feel as natural and comfortable as your natural teeth. If your bridge still feels uncomfortable or loose, it may be that the dentist didn't properly install the bridge.

Can a dentist adjust a bridge?

Adjusting the Bite

Your dentist may use a thin piece of colored paper to find points of contact. The bridge can then be ground with a fine drill. In some instances, it may take more than one visit to have the bridge properly adjusted.

How do dentists remove a bridge?

For a temporary crown or bridge, the restoration can be removed using a hand instrument, usually a scaler or large spoon excavator, or crown-removing pliers or a hemostat exerting force parallel to the long axis of the tooth. The crown or bridge is gently moved until the cement seal is broken.

Why does my bridge hurt when I bite down?

If your dental bridge is too loose or if there is decay under the crown supporting the bridge, you may also feel pain. Another reason your dental bridge may hurt is gum disease that has caused supporting teeth to weaken, or you may have a dental abscess.

Can you chew gum with bridges?

Gum, Caramel, and Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like caramel, gum, and chewy candy have the greatest potential to cause damage to dental bridges, especially if the bridge is new and has not completely bonded with adjacent teeth.

Can teeth decay under a bridge?

Yes. A dental bridge uses two natural teeth on either side of a missing tooth for support. These teeth have dental crowns on them that are fused to a “floating” crown in the middle. But just like any other teeth that have been crowned, they're still susceptible to both cavities, infections, and gum disease.

What causes a dental bridge to loosen?

Causes of a Loose Dental Bridge

If you fail to take care of your teeth, gums, and bridges, this will lead to decay to the teeth supporting the bridge. When the abutment tooth decays, it breaks down, loosening the cement used to attach the bridge. This makes your bridge start to wiggle and feel loose.

What happens when a dental bridge fails?

If the issue is with an abutment tooth, your dentist will need to remove the bridge. Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the abutment teeth, so this often requires breaking the original bridge. Once the supporting teeth have been treated (and if they're strong enough), a replacement bridge can be made.

What is the failure rate of dental bridges?

Dental implants are 95% to 98% successful for 40 to 50+ years. Success rates for dental implants do not decrease over time. Success rates for bridges decreases steadily after 10 years. At 15 years, 1 in 3 bridges will typically fail.

What causes a dental bridge to fail?

Poor oral hygiene is the most common reason why bridges fail. Bacteria can get under the crowns on the teeth that support the bridge and cause cavities to develop. This weakens the teeth until they can no longer support the bridge. This may also lead to an infection in the gum tissue beneath the restoration.

What happens when a dental bridge wears out?

There are two main types of potential adverse consequences from a loose bridge: damage to your mouth and damage to the bridge. Obviously, the former is a much more serious problem; a bridge can be repaired or replaced, but if you're wearing a bridge, the last thing you need or want is more tooth trouble.