November is National Historic Bridge Awareness month. This month is dedicated to the preservation of our nation’s transportation heritage. As a team of dental health professionals, we would like to take this time to advocate a different type of aging bridge… old dental bridges! How long do bridges last? Well, there are many factors. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, bridges can last just up to 15 or even longer. If you have a historic bridge in your mouth and needing some maintenance or a new replacement, this is your chance to get informed and take action.
Old dental bridges begin to fail due to complications such as cement leakage, which can cause underlying tooth decay. If there is a problem with the teeth supporting your bridge, the bridge will fail. There are certain instances that a bridge may be fixed. If the porcelain coating on your bridge is chipped, but the bridge itself is still in good shape, it may be possible to simply repair the coating. However, when the time comes to replace your old dental bridge, you can choose replacing it with another bridge or dental implants.
Dental implants are far superior to dental bridges because the dentist just replaces the individual tooth. They are stronger, permanent and put less strain on the surrounding teeth.
However, there are certain times when a bridge may be the best option due to neighboring teeth with large fillings or crowns. Another consideration is if the tooth has been missing for a long period of time. This could mean there is significant underlying bone loss and may require other dental procedures prior to implant placement. You will need to talk to your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants or if a bridge is right for you.
Contact Palm Harbor Premier Dental if you are experiencing problems with a current bridge or are due for a dental checkup and cleaning at (727) 349-3615. Keep your smiles in top oral condition with regular dental visits along with your home hygiene routine.
Visit colgate.com for more information on dental bridges vs. dental implants.
Visit HistoricBridges.org photos, maps, and more information for all types of historic bridges.