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How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

JANUARY 9, 2023

A fixed dental bridge is an excellent way to replace a lost tooth. It can be sturdy, natural-looking, and highly functional. But how long do dental bridges last? Are they worth the initial investment? You can expect your restoration to stand the test of time. Continue reading to learn about the average lifespan of dental bridges and the steps you can take to help yours endure for as long as possible.

The Average Lifespan Of Dental Bridges

Experts have varying opinions on how long dental bridges can last. Some say that bridges typically need to be replaced every 5 – 7 years. However, others claim that bridges tend to last for 10 years or longer. In fact, with proper care, they may even endure throughout a patient’s lifetime.

How To Make Your Bridge Last

How long your bridge lasts will depend on the materials used to make it, how well it fits, and, perhaps most important, your daily oral care habits. Here are some tips to help your restoration stay in good shape for the long haul:

  • Pay attention to oral hygiene. If you make missteps in brushing and flossing, bacteria could accumulate around your restoration or even on the teeth underneath it. Be sure to brush thoroughly twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. You should also make efforts to floss beneath the bridge with the help of a water flosser or floss threader.
  • Visit your dentist regularly. You should visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. If there are any developing issues that could adversely affect your bridge, they can be addressed as soon as possible.
  • Be mindful of your eating habits. Try to go easy on hard and sticky foods. When you eat tough foods, like steak, try to distribute them evenly on both sides of your mouth.
  • Do not grind and clench your teeth. If you tend to grind and clench while you are asleep, ask your dentist about getting a custom nightguard.

How Can You Tell If Your Bridge Needs To Be Replaced?

Despite your best efforts, the time might come when you need to get your bridge replaced. Here are some signs that you should visit your dentist:

  • The bridge feels loose or unsteady.
  • You are experiencing soreness or swelling in the gums around your bridge.
  • The teeth beneath your bridge are in pain.
  • There are visible chips or cracks in the bridge.

There is a chance that your dentist can repair your existing bridge, but you should be prepared for the possibility that you will need a new one altogether.

A dental bridge is a long-term solution to tooth loss. If you care well for yours, it may last for at least a decade!

Meet the Practice

The oral care experts at First Line Dental are proud to offer a number of different tooth replacement solutions, including fixed bridges, implant-supported bridges, and more. If you have questions about what to expect from any treatment that you are considering, we are ready to answer your questions. Contact our Manchester dental office at 860-259-4039.

What Can You Drink After A Tooth Extraction?

Alcohol should be temporarily off-limits during your recovery, but there are lots of other beverages that it is perfectly okay to enjoy. Here are a few examples.

  • Green tea. Green tea has components in it that are known to support oral health. It may even help to reduce bleeding after an extraction. (Make sure the tea is not hot; it could irritate your extraction site if its temperature is too high.)
  • Coffee. An iced coffee can be a refreshing pick-me-up. You can start to enjoy hot coffee again 24 – 28 hours after your procedure.
  • Broth and blended soups. Broths and smooth soups can be a good way to increase your protein intake during the initial part of your recovery period, when you should be adhering to a soft diet.
  • Cold water. Water will keep you hydrated, and its cold temperature can soothe your sore mouth.

Undergoing a tooth extraction means that you will have to say no to alcohol for around a week. Time passes quickly, though, and before you know it, you should be able to once again enjoy your favorite adult beverages in moderation.

Meet the Practice

The talented team at First Line Dental proudly offers gentle extractions in a welcoming, modern environment. If you believe you need to have a tooth removed, or you have questions about what to expect during your recovery, we would be happy to speak with you. Get in touch with our Manchester dental office at 860-327-5990.

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