One of the most cost-efficient and effective treatments for a missing tooth is a dental bridge. These restorations use natural teeth as anchor points to hold a pontic (false tooth) in place, bridging the gap. However, like any dental restoration, they are not immune to potential issues. Understanding the factors that can lead to bridge failure is essential for preventing complications.
Continue reading to explore the various reasons behind dental bridge failures so you can prevent it from happening to you!
Factor 1: Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the primary causes of dental bridge failure is inadequate oral hygiene. When plaque and bacteria accumulate in and on the bridge and supporting teeth, it can lead to decay, gum disease. This ultimately weakens the gums and teeth around the bridge, causing failure.
Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are essential for keeping your bridge intact.
Factor 2: Bad Oral Habits
Do you like to bite on pens and ice or use your teeth as tools? These habits can also lead to bridge failure as the hardness of these objects creates excessive force on your restoration. While the bonding cement that holds your bridge in place is strong, it can’t take repeated attempts to open packages or bottles or crunch into hard candies.
Factor 3: Subpar Materials or Structure
The structural integrity of the dental bridge itself is important for its long-term success. Bridges that are poorly designed or fabricated using subpar materials may be prone to fracture or breakage. While these defects in construction are rare, it’s important to realize that they can happen. Knowing this will help you work with your dentist to find a solution.
Factor 4: Dental Trauma
Accidental trauma or injury to the mouth can damage the dental bridge and surrounding teeth, leading to failure. Patients with dental bridges should be careful to avoid activities that may pose a risk of injury to the mouth without proper protection. Wear a mouthguard and take proper precautions when doing physical recreation like sports, biking, or boarding.
As you can see, there are several factors that could contribute to bridge failure, ranging from controllable habits to unpredictable events. By understanding these potential causes and taking proactive steps to minimize them, you can reduce the risk of complications and enjoy a long-term dental restoration.
About the Practice
When you want a quality dental restoration like a bridge, you need experienced dentists who use the latest technology. At D&G Dental of West Orange, you’ll find just that. Their dental experts have decades of experience with all forms of dentistry including bridge restorations. Call (973) 731-2200 to schedule a dental bridge consultation or visit the website to explore other services they offer.