Whether one of your teeth has fallen out or you think that it might come loose in the future, dental bridges Sarasota could be a great option to fill the gap. Here at Parkwood Dental in Bradenton, FL, we have several experienced dentists who can fit you with bridges that are durable and look authentic. Let’s explore how long they may last and what you can do to prolong the life of your treatment.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Like a dental implant, a bridge acts like a fake tooth that takes the place of your own, missing one. However, it will be attached to your natural teeth on either side instead of being fixed into the gums. For this reason, it may be more suitable for certain patients, especially those with gum disease who won’t be able to benefit from implants or from those who need a cover for their implants.
The main reason why we don’t want to leave a gap in your mouth is that the roots of your healthy teeth could grow into this space and they could end up coming loose and falling out, as well. That’s why installing a bridge can be a great way to restore your smile and also prevent further damage to your teeth. They are usually made from either porcelain or metal and are fitted over a crown.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Sarasota Last?
A bridge is designed to be a permanent fix, so it can last for many years. You can expect your bridge to be in place for 5-15 years at a time, and in some cases, even for a lifetime. If your bridge loosens over time, you can go to your dentist and have it tightened, so you don’t necessarily need to get a new one. Once your dentist determines that your bridge can no longer be fixed, you can easily get a replacement.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Bridge
In addition to choosing a high-quality and experienced dentist to fit your bridge, there are some things you can do to make sure it lasts for a long time. In particular, it’s important that you adjust your dental routine to incorporate both good hygiene and regular check-ups. This can prevent problems related to your bridge and ensure that it serves you well for many years to come.
Dental Hygiene
To properly take care of your bridge, you should use super floss or a floss threader on a regular basis. Your dentist will be happy to tell you how to use such a device, so you can avoid the collection of food and plaque in the area. You should keep brushing your teeth twice a day and using high-quality toothpaste to protect the rest of your teeth. An extensive dental routine can help to prevent inflammation of the gums and the conditions this leads to.
Regular Check-Ups
Although regular check-ups are always recommended, they are even more crucial if you have a bridge. Organize an appointment at least twice a year so your dentist can monitor the condition of the bridge and make any necessary adjustments. Doing this can prevent you from needing additional treatment because issues are caught before they become serious problems.
Eating Well
All of your teeth will benefit from a healthy and balanced diet, and you may be able to prevent further damage by avoiding very hard and sugary foods. To protect your bridge, we may recommend that you avoid certain foods, especially if they are hard or chewy because they could loosen it and cause it to fall out prematurely. If it does fall out due to a certain kind of food you ate, you should call us immediately and come to the clinic for an emergency appointment.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Now that you know that bridges are a long-lasting solution and what you can do to make sure you benefit from them for a long time, you may wonder whether this really is the best solution for you. We offer a variety of treatments, so we will invite you for a consultation to discuss your options when you contact us. As a part of this, we will do an X-ray, so we can see what is going on and what might be the most suitable treatment.
In general, this is a good option for people who have healthy teeth overall, are in good general health, and are missing at least one tooth. You need to have a strong bone structure to support the new tooth, and you can’t be suffering from an infection in the area at the time of fitting the bridge. In addition, we will take your oral hygiene habits into consideration, as you will see the best results if you are diligent about your dental routine.
Get Your Long-Lasting Bridge Now
Dental bridges in Sarasota FL can be great tools to fill the gap created by a missing tooth, and they will last you for many years to come. On average, you can expect your bridge to remain intact for 10 years, but some people never have to get a replacement at all. Get in touch with us at Parkwood Dental in Bradenton, FL to learn more about this treatment and book your first consultation.
