What Happens When A Dental Bridge Fails?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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An improper or ill-fitting bridge – a poor or loose fit

can lead to the build-up of tooth decay on the healthy teeth that are under the crowns

. Because the dentist must file down the healthy teeth in order to place the crown, these teeth are more susceptible to decay.

Can dental bridges be replaced?

Once the supporting teeth have been treated (and if they’re strong enough),

a replacement bridge can be made

. If your dentist can’t restore the abutment teeth, your teeth can be replaced with implants to support your dental bridge replacement.

How can you tell if a dental bridge is bad?

  1. It’s Causing You Pain. If your dental bridge doesn’t fit correctly, it can cause a lot of discomfort in your mouth. …
  2. Your Bite is Off. …
  3. There is Noticeable Damage. …
  4. Loose Fit. …
  5. Speaking with a Lisp. …
  6. It’s Stained or Discolored. …
  7. It Looks Unnatural.

What happens when a dental bridge breaks?

While a broken bridge may not be painful in the same way that a broken tooth might, the break

allows bacteria to enter your dental bridge

, which can cause problems over time. Your dentist will discuss your options for repair or replacement depending on your individual dental bridge.

How do you know when your bridge needs to be replaced?


There is no certain amount of time in which

a dental bridge should be replaced. If a dental bridge is properly cared for, including good oral hygiene and dental visits twice yearly, dental bridges can last many years. The lifespan of dental bridges tends to be from 7 to 15 years, but can also be 30 or more years.

Can a bridge be removed and put back on?


Loose bridges can often be easily removed and repaired

, allowing your dentist to recement the bridge into place. However, the cement used to bond a bridge in place is designed to last for many years and it is not always possible to remove a bridge without causing damage to the support of surrounding teeth.

How many years does a dental bridge last?

Dental bridges can last

five to 15 years and even longer

. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.

Can a tooth get infected under a bridge?

Can Dental Bridges Become Infected? The good news:

dental bridges cannot become infected

. The bad news: the natural teeth underneath the crowns of a dental bridge are still vulnerable to tooth decay and other oral health issues.

What is the cheapest way to replace a missing tooth?


Dentures

. Dentures are usually the cheapest way to replace a missing tooth or even a full mouth of teeth. Also called “false teeth”, these cheap tooth replacements are removable appliances with any number of fake teeth attached to a wire and acrylic frame.

Can decay under a bridge be fixed?

If your cavity is deeper and you have crowns it is better to do an X-ray in order to see the decay underneath your bridge. If a cavity has spread to the root, the bridge may need to be removed to treat your root canal and fit a filling in the decayed tooth.

Why would a dental bridge fail?

The most common reason dental bridges fail is

poor oral hygiene

, like not brushing twice a day or flossing every night. Your bridge is supported by abutment teeth that have dental crowns bonded over them. Although your bridge isn’t subject to decay, your crowned teeth can be compromised by harmful bacteria.

Can a bridge fall out?

Myth: Bridges fall

out easily

.

While bridges do sometimes loosen over time, they can easily be tightened by your dentist. However, they’re built to last a lifetime, so the chances of your bridge falling out are miniscule.

How much does it cost to repair a dental bridge?

The

average cost

for

dental bridge tooth

replacement is between $500 and $1,500. However, they can

cost

up to $2,300 for a bonded

bridge

and implant-supported

bridge costs

start at $5,000.

Do dental bridges smell?

This can happen years down the line, since the cement can begin to wear away in older bridges. When this occurs,

bacteria and food can get underneath the crown

, which can then lead to odor.

Can a dental bridge make you sick?

You have to make sure that you get a bridge that is custom-made to fill the gap left by missing teeth.

Ill-fitted bridges lead to discomfort

but that is just the start. With time, the false tooth can lead to irritation in your gums potentially causing boils, infection, and gum recession around the bridge.

Is a dental bridge falling out an emergency?

When a crown or bridge falls out, it’s important to

save

your restoration. Keeping it in a zip-top bag is adequate and can keep you from losing it before you can get to the dentist. Call your emergency dentist to set up an exam; if it’s a front tooth, you’ll want to try to get in the very same day.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.