A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It connects an artificial tooth (pontic) to crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. This prosthetic bridges the gap, restoring chewing function, enhancing appearance, and improving overall oral health. Existing bridges can be replaced when necessary.
Replacing a Dental Bridge
Dental bridges, like many other dental restorations, are not designed to last indefinitely and often require replacement over time. This is a routine dental procedure performed to ensure the continued health and function of a patient’s mouth. While some bridges can last for many years, even decades with proper care, their materials can wear down and the surrounding oral structures can change.
The average lifespan of a dental bridge ranges from 5 to 15 years. Factors such as the materials used, the location of the bridge in the mouth, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits influence its longevity. When a bridge shows signs of wear, damage, or compromise, replacement becomes a necessary step to prevent further oral health complications.
Common Reasons for Replacement
Several factors necessitate dental bridge replacement, often due to natural wear or changes in the surrounding oral environment. Over time, bridge materials can weaken, compromising integrity and requiring replacement.
Decay underneath the supporting crowns is a frequent reason. Although the bridge itself is not susceptible to decay, the natural teeth beneath the crowns remain vulnerable to cavities if oral hygiene is not maintained. Gum recession can expose bridge margins, allowing bacteria to accumulate and compromise supporting teeth or bone. Changes in supporting teeth, such as weakening or shifting, can reduce bridge stability. Accidents or trauma can also damage the bridge, leading to chipping, cracking, or dislodgement, which requires repair or replacement.
The Replacement Procedure
Replacing an existing dental bridge involves several steps to ensure a precise fit and optimal oral health. The process begins with an initial consultation where the dentist assesses the current bridge and the health of supporting teeth and gums, often using X-rays. This evaluation determines the most suitable course of action.
The old bridge is then carefully removed. If supporting teeth are healthy, the dentist may reshape them for new crowns. Impressions of the prepared teeth are taken to create a mold, which is sent to a dental laboratory for the new custom bridge.
While the permanent bridge is crafted (typically 10 to 15 working days), a temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth and maintains appearance. Once ready, the permanent bridge is fitted, adjusted for bite and comfort, and permanently bonded with dental cement.
Other Options for Missing Teeth
When a dental bridge needs replacement, patients have several options beyond simply getting another bridge, with dental implants often considered a durable alternative. Dental implants involve surgically placing small, screw-like posts into the jawbone, which act as artificial tooth roots. These titanium posts fuse with the jawbone over several months in a process called osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for artificial teeth. Once integrated, a connector, called an an abutment, is attached to the implant, and a crown, bridge, or denture can then be secured to it. Dental implants offer a strong and long-lasting solution, as they do not rely on adjacent natural teeth for support and the materials cannot decay.
Another option for replacing missing teeth is a removable partial denture. Partial dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, sometimes with a metal framework, that fits precisely into the missing tooth space. Unlike fixed bridges, partial dentures can be removed by the patient for cleaning and reinserted. While they are generally more affordable than implants or fixed bridges, they are a less permanent solution and may not offer the same level of stability or comfort as fixed restorations. Partial dentures are designed to fill gaps and prevent remaining natural teeth from shifting.