How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fake tooth that replaces missing or broken teeth. It functions and looks like your regular teeth. A bridge contains one or more teeth. The structure is attached to a crown on one side of the gap. When someone loses multiple front teeth due to decay or an injury, a bridge may be used to fill the gaps.

Uses of Dental Bridges

The fake teeth might help you feel a little bit comfortable with your smile. When you lose a tooth, your bite may be affected, causing pain or eating difficulties. Replacing the missing tooth might prevent such complications.

You might require a bridge if:

• A decayed tooth falls out, or a dentist takes it out
• An injury or accident damages the tooth beyond repair
• An infection or a decay that is deep such that a filling or root canal is no longer a viable option

Types of Dental Bridges

Here are the types of dental bridges:

Traditional Bridges

The traditional bridge comprises fake tooth or teeth that are anchored by dental crowns. The crown is then attached to the abutment tooth. This type of bridge is convenient when natural teeth are present on both sides of the gap. It is removable and fixable.

Cantilever Bridges

It requires only one dental crown for support. The procedure is less intensive.

Maryland Bridges

It is less invasive and more conservative than cantilever and traditional bridges. The Maryland bridge uses a porcelain or metal framework for anchorage. The frameworks are attached to the abutment teeth. As much as the bridges preserve healthy teeth, they are also less secure.

Implant-supported dental bridge

It uses dental implants instead of frameworks or crowns. For each missing tooth, an implant is placed. The implants anchor the bridge. An implant-supported bridge only requires two surgeries, one for embedding the implants into the jawbone and another one for placing the bridge.

What to Expect During a Dental Bridge Procedure?

Each type of bridge has a different procedure. When the dentist performs the traditional bridge procedure, the teeth are prepared on both sides of the gap. The dentist removes any decay present by grinding down the teeth. Afterward, the dental team takes the mouth’s impression. The print helps with fitting the bridge.

The dentist places a temporary bridge over the damaged dentine to guard them. When the bridge is ready, the dentist takes out the temporary structures and fixes the bridge using strong adhesives. Cantilever bridges have a similar process, although only one crown is required. No preparation is needed when getting a Maryland bridge, and this is because crowns are not required. Visit S Dental dentistry to get dental bridges. We are located in Plano, TX.

Here are a few reasons why you should choose a dental bridge:

• It restores your smile
• Restores your ability to chew properly
• Restores pronunciation and speech
• Maintains the shape of your face
• Prevents the remaining teeth from shifting to other positions

The material that makes the bridge determines how long it will last. Factors such as diet and oral hygiene practices also determine the longevity of the bridge. The lifespan of a fixed bridge varies between 5 to 15 years. They are reliable and sturdy.

Advantages of a Dental Bridge Over Dental Implants

Here are a few reasons why you should choose a dental bridge:

• In an instance where you have a missing space between two broken teeth, a dental bridge is the best option. Both teeth will require a dental crown to prevent decay or breakage. The dentist will examine the teeth carefully and thoroughly to ensure that there will be no complications.
• If your gum height is low, placing an implant can threaten the gum situation.
• It only takes two days to complete a standard bridge, while an implant takes almost two months for the bone to integrate fully with the implant.
• Some patients cannot undergo extensive surgical procedures like implant surgery due to diabetes, cancer, auto-immune disease, or certain medications. In such situations, a bridge is a good option for you.
• People that have little bone may choose to have a bridge. To support the implant, you will require an extensive bone grafting procedure. The risk of implant rejection or a graft increases with the extensiveness of the grafting procedure.

Few Factors to Consider About Bridges

• Consume soft foods until you get used to the new bridge.
• Please keep away from sugary and unhealthy foods. They will accelerate plaque accumulation; bacterial decay may compromise the anchor tooth.
• You might experience sensitivity when eating cold or hot foods.
• Maintain good oral care.