If you’re missing one or two teeth in a row, then you might just be a good candidate for dental bridges. These tooth replacements can restore the function of your bite and last many years, offering an incredible solution for rebuilding your smile. However, there’s still a chance that they can fail. Keep reading to learn how your dental bridge can fail and what you can do to prevent that.
Inadequate Support
To place your prosthetic in your mouth, your abutment teeth will need to be strong and healthy to keep them stable. If the supporting teeth aren’t in great condition, it could lead to issues with the reliability of your dental bridge. Additionally, having insufficient jawbone density can impact the strength of the abutment teeth as well as the stability of your prosthetic. Before starting the preparation process, your dental team will examine your oral health to determine if any preliminary services will be needed to resolve any underlying issues that could become problematic later on.
Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the most common causes of dental bridge failure is poor oral hygiene. Once you receive your restoration, you’ll need to be sure to take great care of it like you would your normal teeth, such as brushing, rinsing with mouthwash, and cleaning underneath the bridge with a floss threader. Without proper oral hygiene, you could put your prosthetic as well as your mouth at risk.
Bad Habits
Although dental bridges are quite durable and long-lasting, it doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. Certain habits can increase the risk of failure significantly, including grinding your teeth, chewing on sticky treats, biting your nails, or even chewing on ice cubes. To avoid potential bridge failure, you’ll need to quit these kinds of habits.
Forgetting Dental Checkups
Visiting your dentist regularly not only allows you to get professional teeth cleaning done, but you’ll also have your oral health thoroughly checked for potential problems. During your appointment, your dentist will verify that your dental bridge is in good shape, and they will even provide important tips to help you maintain it for a long time. Your hygienist can also help clean the hard-to-reach areas, providing the assistance needed to keep your dental bridge and the rest of your smile safe from bacteria.
While dental bridges can potentially fail, you can help increase their success rate by taking the proper precautions. Make sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, and you’ll be sure to make the most of your brand-new smile for years to come.
About the Practice
At Jacksonville Dental Specialists, our team utilizes modern dental technology to provide patients with high-quality and long-lasting results. We offer a variety of tooth-replacement options, including dental bridges, so that you can renew and enjoy your complete smile. If you wish to learn more about preserving your prosthetic or want to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call our office today at 904-683-4781.