Burning Bridges: What Causes Dental Bridge Failure?

A dental bridge offers a host of benefits to patients, like smile restoration, improved chewing and speaking abilities, and maintained facial structure. But did you know that your dental bridge can fail before 15 years have passed? Like with any long-term investment, you’ll need to take the utmost care of your bridge to get that kind of return. Read on for a guideline to prevent dental bridge failure.

What is Dental Bridge Failure?

Bridge failure occurs when the restoration no longer functions properly or becomes damaged, requiring repair or replacement. Signs that it needs attention might include the bridge feeling wobbly or loose, sensitivity or discomfort in the teeth or gums surrounding the bridge, and difficulty chewing or biting.

If you suspect your bridge isn’t working, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. 

Cause #1: Poor Oral Healthcare

Your at-home dental hygiene routine is the number one defense against complications with your bridge. A successful daily regimen includes:

• Brushing and flossing daily.
• Keeping yourself hydrated.
• Avoiding a diet high in starch and sugar.

Proper maintenance also involves visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings, ideally twice a year.  This kind of preventive care can help your dentist to identify issues before they balloon into something more serious and remove plaque that can put your bridge at risk of failure.

Cause #2: Failure to Guard Your Mouth  

For those who play sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth (and bridge) from injuries that may occur on the field of play. Mouthguards absorb blows to your mouth that could otherwise damage or dislodge your bridge.

Bruxism, or grinding your teeth in your sleep, can also be addressed with a nightguard. Wearing a special mouthguard at night will protect your teeth from grinding and clenching.

Cause #3: Lack of Support

Smart oral hygiene will keep the teeth attached to and abutting your bridge healthy, but a lack of care coupled with other bad habits like excessive sugar intake or smoking could cause tooth decay and gum disease in the supporting teeth. An uneven load distribution when it comes to things like chewing and speaking can lead to failure of the bridge in the long term.

Furthermore, it’s important to have enough jawbonebone supporting the bridge site. When you lose your teeth, you also lose density in your jawbone because of a lack of stimulation from tooth roots. A dental implant can stop bone loss and secure your bridge, as implants also replace the root, not just the visible portion of the tooth.

Cause #4: Poor Materials

The old adage “you get what you pay for” applies here. Bridges can be made from several different materials, including plastic. While this might make bridges more affordable, discounted materials can weaken quickly, throwing a wrench into your plans for long-term success. Go for longevity and opt for sturdy, durable material for your bridge construction.

Now that you know some of the common causes of bridge failure, you can practice smart oral care and look forward to years of enjoyment from your restoration! 

About the Practice

Have a problem with your dental bridge? If it’s an urgent situation, our team at Region Dental offers same-day emergency visits where we can take care of you or repair your bridge if necessary. If it’s preventive care you need to keep your bridge in good shape, we’ve got that, too! Check out our services today via our website or call our La Porte office at (219) 362-8980.