“How often should you replace a dental bridge?”
I am a 42 year old male. I want to know how often should you replace a dental bridge?
9 Answers
When it fails.
Dental bridges, when well designed and made, are one of the longest lasting of all dental restorations. Typically, insurance companies require/expect them to last at least five years. There are many dentists who would expect the dental bridges they place to last 10-15 years or longer. Personally I see bridges that have been serving patients well for over 20 years. If a dental bridge is placed from a natural tooth to a natural tooth one needs to remember that those teeth are still susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease so it is possible for the teeth to fail while the bridge remains in good shape. A Dental bridge is usually so strong there are very few ways it can fail. Chipping, fracture, or excessive wear are about the only ways the bridge itself can fail. A bridge is usually a wonderful option to replace a missing tooth.
Some bridges can last 20-40 years
A bridge in dentistry if done properly will last indefinitely. At Wilton Dental Associates, LLC in Wilton, CT, we have patients with bridges I have done 30+ years ago and we guarantee our work indefinitely. Bottom line, dental bridges should NEVER have to be replaced.
A well-made porcelain fused to metal dental bridge could last 50 or 60 years. The bridge itself is virtually indestructible, it's your gum tissue and tooth structure supporting the bridge that needs to be maintained.
Ten years is considered successful, but the bridge can last 20 or more years. It should be replaced if decay recurs or if a root canal needs to be done after it is placed or if an important part breaks, like the contact area. A lot depends on how you take care of it. You should avoid a sugary and high carb diet, sugary drinks and juices, and you should brush, floss and clean under the bridge with floss and a floss threader daily, as well as going regularly for checkups.
No real good answer there. The statistical average is about 7 years, but it could last much longer with proper care.
Replace it when a dentist says so. Possible reasons to replace it include fractured porcelain, recurrent tooth decay, cement debonded.
By your question I am inferring you mean a Fixed Partial Denture which most people call a "Bridge". There is no maximum time limit on a bridge. As long as the prosthesis is not loose does't have recurrent decay and is maintaining well and doing its designed purpose it can remain in place.
