Be Careful of These 4 Possible Causes of Dental Bridge Failure

With a dental bridge, you can fill a gap in your smile left by one missing tooth or multiple lost teeth that were all in a row. But while dental bridges are certainly a reliable tooth replacement option, they can still fail if you’re not careful. Being aware of potential threats to your prosthesis can put you in a better position to protect it. As such, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the following 4 possible causes of dental bridge failure.

1. Breakage

Even though dental bridges are highly durable, it’s still possible for them to break. This is a very common cause of dental bridge failure, and it is often a consequence of getting hit in the mouth or biting down on overly hard food items. Needless to say, you will want to have a broken dental bridge repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

2. Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition that causes you to grind your teeth. It can happen during the day, but it often strikes at night while you’re asleep and unable to consciously control your jaw. Untreated bruxism can put a lot of pressure on your dental bridge, wearing it down faster than normal and potentially even dislodging it. The good news is that you can protect your dental bridge from bruxism by wearing a nightguard.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene

Failing to take proper care of your mouth can easily lead to dental bridge failure. Harmful bacteria can sneak under the prosthesis and attack the abutment teeth, leading to decay. Eventually, the teeth may weaken to the point where they can’t support the bridge anymore. Thus, to ensure that your dental bridge lasts as long as possible, you should make a point of brushing two times a day and flossing daily to maintain a clean, healthy smile.

4. Poor Construction

A dental bridge that was not well-made to begin with will be more likely to fail. The material used to make the prosthesis is particularly important; lower-quality materials are often cheaper, but they also tend to be more susceptible to damage. It’s better to invest in a higher-quality bridge that can last over the long term. Be sure to take the time to ask your dentist about the materials that will be used to make your bridge.

You’ll be more likely to get many years of use out of your dental bridge simply by taking the right steps to protect it. But if it does happen to fail, don’t panic; if you get in touch with your dentist, they can help you figure out the best way to resolve the situation so that you can continue to enjoy a complete smile.

About the Practice

At Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry, our compassionate team provides each of our patients with fully personalized care while always putting their comfort first. We’re happy to offer dental bridges along with other trustworthy solutions for missing teeth. If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our dental experts at our office in Lynchburg, visit our website or call (434) 847-5331.