If at any point in your life you have had to have bridgework undertaken you may well already be aware that it can need repair or might even need to be replaced. This is particularly true if you have had it done and then not really had it maintained.
The key to good bridgework is ensuring it is consistently maintained as this will ensure you get long-term service from it, rather than seeing it as a permanent fix, with little or no maintenance required.
In today’s blog, Advanced Dentistry takes a look at why your bridgework can fail and what kinds of treatments are available to repair it or maintain it.
Why does bridgework fail?
One factor in failing bridgework is usually decay or leakage under the crowns on supporting teeth. It can also fail where there is a fracture of the ‘abutment’ teeth. If this is the reason your own bridgework has failed then if the teeth are still maintainable, then it is possible that new bridgework can be made, which will fix any issues. If however the teeth are not in a condition that allows new bridgework, then you may need to consider dental implant supported crowns or bridges, which can be a good alternative.
There are a number of bridgework or bridges available depending on your personal circumstances and the current health of your teeth.
These can include:
A conventional bridge – this is often cemented to a tooth at either side of a gap where teeth are missing.
Cantilever bridge – this is often cemented to one tooth next to a gap and replaces a single tooth.
Removable bridges – these can be removed for cleaning and a type of denture. They can be used with attachments on the teeth or existing crowns.
Dental implant supported fixed bridges – this kind of bridgework can be made on dental implants and it can be fixed by being screwed to an implant.
Making artificial teeth look natural
A common demand and challenge for bridgework is getting an artificial tooth or teeth to look natural, so that no one knows they are not real! To do this we can undertake some soft tissue augmentation or gum grafting, resulting in a more natural look.
Looking after bridgework
It is vitally important that you ensure you maintain your oral hygiene when you have bridgework. It means you must clean your teeth using a special floss threader so that you can reach under the bridge and that you might need to work a little harder to maintain your teeth overall. However, this will provide longevity so it is worth the effort.
Having the right person for the job is probably one of the most important factors in maintaining your bridgework. Numerous studies have shown that choosing the right dentist who has the right level of skill and precision will mean better bridgework to start off with. Thus, maintaining the treatment is going to be much easier.
Here at Advanced Dentistry we pride ourselves on our extensive experience within the field and the long list of happy clients who have enjoyed great smiles and longevity from treatments received at our practice.
If you have failing bridgework and need help, do contact us for an initial consultation.
