Dental Bridge Repair From a General Dentist

Dental bridges are long-lasting tooth replacements. However, like anything, they sometimes need to be repaired or replaced. A general dentist can install, maintain, and repair bridges to help patients get the most out of these effective dental restorations.

How dental bridges work

Before understanding dental bridge repair, it is important to understand how dental bridges work as a restorative treatment. The dental bridge is a false tooth (pontic) held in place by crowns on one or two supporting natural or artificial teeth (dental implants). When natural teeth support a bridge, it can replace a single tooth. Implant-supported bridges may replace three consecutive teeth.

Repairing a dental bridge

Any dental appliance may become damaged, break, or fail. Dental bridges, in particular, may need to be repaired where there exists a lack of oral hygiene, changes to the supporting teeth or implants, or habits like teeth grinding. They may also break from general wear and tear. Fortunately, a dentist may repair dental bridges that have:

• Become loose
• Minor fractures in the pontic
• Minor cracks or chips in the bridge’s porcelain coating

Patients should consult a general dentist as soon as they notice damage to a dental bridge. Doing so will help prevent further damage to the teeth and bridge. This has the added benefit of helping to prevent dental bridge failure, which would require the removal of the bridge. The dentist may be able to place a new bridge, oral health permitting.

Other signs of a broken dental bridge

Besides visible damage, such as cracks and chips, there are other signs to indicate a broken or failing dental bridge. These include:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain or discomfort while chewing
• Bleeding while flossing and brushing
• Bad breath that will not go away
• Swollen, inflamed gums

These signs are also symptoms of gum disease, which may affect the gums around the supporting teeth or dental implants. To save the bridge and protect oral health, patients should schedule an appointment with a dentist immediately. If left untreated, a patient may lose additional teeth as gum disease worsens. The dentist will treat gum disease, remove any infected tissue, and repair the dental bridge promptly.

Tips for after the dental bridge repair and replacement

A properly maintained bridge can last anywhere from five to 15 years. To get the most out of the repaired or replacement dental bridge, patients will need to practice good oral hygiene and bridge maintenance. Daily brushing and flossing is a good place to start. However, bridge maintenance also involves cleaning beneath the bridge every day, such as with interproximal brushes, which are designed to be small enough to fit in this space. Patients should avoid eating hard or chewy foods with their bridge, as well. These actions, combined with routine dental checkups, will help the bridge last for years.