Dental Bridges: How Long Do They Last?

The natural teeth are supposed to last forever; however, some situations make this unlikely for a lot of people. Disease, decay, and trauma can cause a tooth loss. There are many tooth replacement options available today. One of these is using a dental bridge.

Dental bridges serve as replacements for lost teeth and help in preventing dental issues when the surrounding teeth change position to fill the gap.  Although they can last up to a decade, their lifespan depends on the patient’s oral care routines and diets.

Are you wondering how long do dental bridges last? Keep reading to know the answer:

Lifespans of Dental Bridges

Opinions differ in terms of the lifespans of dental bridges. Some experts say that dental bridges often last around 5-7 years while others can last more than 10 years. With good oral hygiene, the majority of dental bridges are expected to last even longer than a decade, with the possibility to last a lifetime, according to some researchers.

Reasons for Dental Bridge Failures

Usually, the dentist fits a dental bridge by filling down the teeth next to the gap of the missing tooth. Although this prepares the surrounding teeth for crowns that support the replacement tooth, it increases the risk of decay and gum disease in and around the filled teeth, making root canal therapy more likely. In case the supporting tooth fails, the entire bridge can also fail.

How to Prevent a Dental Bridge Failure

When a patient has dental bridges, they can prolong their device’s life by eating a tooth-friendly diet and avoiding foods that put stress on the bridges. Patients must consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than meat to maintain good oral and overall health. Also, they must reduce their intake of sugary and starchy foods as they can cause dental decay. In addition, dentists will usually not recommend eating hard, chewy, or sticky snacks as they can overload the pressure on the bridges.

How to Properly Care for Dental Bridges

Patients should take care of their bridges by following good general oral care, specialized care, and regular dental cleaning at the dentist’s office. These habits will increase the lifespan of the bridges. Regular brushing and flossing take care of the surface of the bridge. However, food can be trapped underneath them where it can be difficult to remove. Trapped food particles can expose the adjacent teeth to decay. That is why dentists may recommend a floss threader to carry floss under the bridge.