Like all dental restorations, such as fillings and crowns, dental bridges have a lifespan. Take good care of your dental bridge and it could last you 15 years or more. And if you suspect that your dental bridge may be failing, check for some of the most common signs of dental failure.
This article will cover some of the most common signs that your dental bridge might need to be replaced. If you notice any of these signs, contact your dentist immediately.
Your dental bridge is loose
A clear sign that a dental bridge has an issue is looseness. Looseness can have a number of causes, so you'll need a dentist to diagnose the problem. A bridge may become loose due to one or more of the following situations:
Your dentist may be able to repair rather than replace your dental bridge. But an early diagnosis is important to the outcome.
Your supporting teeth have dental issues
Dental bridges rely on abutment teeth or teeth that support the false tooth. If the support teeth suffer in some way, such as because of dental decay or trauma, your bridge will lose its support. If you feel pain or see any signs of damage around an abutment tooth, seek your dentist's advice immediately.
The false tooth has broken
False teeth are strong enough to chew with for many years. But a false tooth can break due to wear and tear. Even a piece of hard food, such as a popcorn kernel, can break a false tooth. If a false tooth suffers a bad break, then your dentist will need to replace the bridge.
Your bridge has snapped
The clearest sign that your bridge must be replaced is if your bridge snaps suddenly. Dental bridges attach to the abutment teeth and the false tooth, with the abutment teeth acting as support. If a dental bridge snaps between either of these two points, then a replacement becomes necessary.
You feel pain when biting down with your bridge
If you feel pain under or around your dental bridge, then the cause could be due to a number of issues. See your dentist quickly before the problem worsens. If the issue is minor, then your dentist can treat it without having to replace the dental bridge.
Share18 July 2022
After dealing with a few root canals, I realized that it was time to take my dental hygiene a more seriously. I talked with my dentist about what I could do differently, and he was full of great suggestions that would help. He walked me through different ways to brush, floss, and take care of tartar buildup, and it was really amazing to see the difference that it made. I also started taking a fluoride supplement to strengthen my enamel. When I made it to my next appointment, my dentist was blown away with the improvement. This blog is all about improving your dental appointments by keeping your teeth healthier.
