3 Common Problems Your Dental Bridge May Be Causing
Dental bridges are a great solution for missing teeth or teeth that require extraction due to decay. By placing a bridge, our Columbus, OH, dentist can quite literally “bridge” the gap created after teeth are lost with two crowns on each side and a false tooth in the middle.
Unfortunately, dental bridges aren’t known to last a lifetime much like other treatments such as dental implants. This means that most patients with bridges will eventually need a replacement at some point down the road.
Here are 3 issues that can occur when you’re .
There May Be a Problem With Your Dental Bridge If:
1. It Falls Out
Bridges need a perfect fit over your teeth to ensure strength and effectiveness. When it doesn’t fit right, it is very likely that it will slip, shift, or fall out when you least expect. A poorly designed bridge is a common cause of this problem. Fortunately, Dr. Gibson carefully checks several times after your permanent dental bridge returns from the dental lab to see if it fits as it should.
Please don’t hesitate to let Dr. Gibson and our staff know if something feels loose or you could risk the bridge popping off very easily.
2. The Look or Feel Is Unnatural
The main reason people get a is to boost their confidence that was weakened by missing or decayed teeth. If your bridge looks unnatural, you’ll find that you’re still feeling insecure about your smile. A common problem that patients face is discolored bridges. Because the bridge doesn’t match the color of the rest of their teeth, the bridge won’t look natural.
Also, sometimes bridges aren’t lined up correctly with the rest of your teeth, which can be unappealing. Many people with dental bridges become frustrated that after paying a large amount of money to get a bridge, they end up with uncomfortable or unappealing bridges instead of the natural looking and feeling results they deserve.
If you’re unsatisfied with a bridge put in place by another dentist, Dr. Gibson can help. He’ll work with you to custom match the shade of the two dental crowns and false tooth (pontic) to your natural enamel. That way, the bridge will blend seamlessly with your smile.
3. Tooth Decay Is Present
Keeping up with oral hygiene is especially important when you have a dental bridge. Cavities can form beneath the crowns of the bridge as bacteria can easily build up without being noticed. When the tooth under a crown decays, the bridge is no longer secured tightly in place, which can cause it to fall off. A special tool is needed to clean underneath the bridge that will help it last longer by removing decay-causing bacteria.
Dr. Gibson encourages all patients to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste. Making sure you stick to a routine every day is important for the condition of your restorations and your long-term oral health.
What to Keep in Mind With Your Dental Bridge
Dental bridges can be extremely effective in replacing missing or decayed teeth, but as with anything, there are some downsides. People with bridges often run into common issues that can hinder the effectiveness and appearance of their bridge. If you’re considering getting dental bridges, be sure to look out for the problems listed above, and ask Dr. Gibson if this restoration is the best option for you.
Make an Appointment Today
If you’d like to learn more about how a dental bridge may benefit you or how you can have current issues dealt with, our dentist in West Columbus, OH, is here to help. Simply call Gibson Dental at (614) 878-9562 to request an appointment and get started.
This blog post has been updated.