Hi,
I am scheduled to have a dental bridge placed on Monday. My dentist has assured me that it should have a lifespan of about 10 years. My question is, what happens after that time? Will it automatically need replacing? Will it break? How should I know what to do?
Thanks,
Evelyn in NY
Dear Evelyn,
Your dentist’s estimation of the expected life of your dental work is just an educated guess designed to give you some idea of what to expect. Several factors will affect how long a particular dental appliance or repair will last. If the bridge is not subjected to undue wear and tear (a poorly aligned bite, severe grinding, etc.) and is cared for properly, a quality dental bridge can last longer than 10 years. Conversely, a bridge that is subjected to harsh conditions and not cared for carefully may not last that long.
For optimal results, you should follow the instructions for cleaning your bridge that you dentist will give you, and keep up with your regular schedule of dental examinations and cleanings. In addition, if you want to get the longest life out of your dental bridge, it’s a good idea to limit between-meal snacking (which can contribute to decay in the teeth adjoining the bridge) as well as consumption of staining foods (berries, red wine, coffee, tea, etc.). Good luck.
This post brought to you by Lowell cosmetic and reconstructive dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.