If you have one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge could be just what you need. After all, the prosthetic can quickly “bridge” the current gaps in your smile! That being said, you’d need to avoid dental bridge failure so that your treatment lasts. Your restoration wouldn’t take care of itself, after all. Luckily, your Fayetteville dentist knows just what to do. Here’s a summary of what causes bridge failure and how to prevent it.
What Causes Dental Bridge Failure?
Dental bridges can fail for a variety of reasons. The most common ones, though, are the following:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral care is the chief cause of dental bridge failure. Without proper brushing and flossing, bacteria can get beneath your prosthetic and decay the underlying teeth. Should that happen, your natural teeth will get too weak to support your restoration. Meanwhile, a lack of checkups and cleanings can lead to bridge problems your dentist might have stopped.
Bad Mouth Habits
Several bad habits put excess pressure on your pearly whites — nail-biting, teeth-grinding, ice-chewing, etc. Besides causing jaw issues, however, these practices severely damage abutment teeth. From there, your bridge could come loose and even fail in some cases.
Poor Bridge Material
Dental bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, zirconium, and composites. However, the best ones match their substances to the case and the patient. For instance, plastic might work for one patient’s bridge, while a different patient needs a bridge with a metal framework. As such, your dentist must use a suitable bridge material — your treatment could fail otherwise.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can last for 10 or more years if you care for it well. Therefore, you’ll want to give your prosthetic some regular maintenance. The best ways to do so are the following:
- Follow a Good Dental Routine: Remember to brush your teeth twice daily, floss them once daily, and rinse with mouthwash as needed. This routine will keep your abutments from decaying. (You could also get a proxabrush to clean under your bridge.)
- Eat a “Mouth Healthy” Diet: Instead of sugary sweets that cause tooth decay and cavities, fill up on lean proteins and leafy greens that strengthen your jaw and enamel.
- See Your Dentist Often: Make sure to visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups and cleanings.
As you can see, you really should take dental bridge failure seriously. To that end, practice the tips above so your restored smile stays that way.
About the Practice
Lyndon Family Dental is based in Fayetteville, NY. As led by Drs. Marley Rinoldo and Simone P. Reid, our practice offers comprehensive dental care with state-of-art tools. In particular, we perform high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency procedures. Whether you need a dental checkup or a dental bridge, you can count on us! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (315)-449-0711.