What Are the Most Common Bridge Complications?

asked 10 months ago by anon
Latest answer by H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD
Question viewed 325 times
Tags: bridge, comparison, complication, lifestyle, problem, safety, sports

Are there any serious complications from bridges? Are bridges safer than dental implants? For those active in contact sports, would it be a concern to have a bridge rather than an implant or vise versa?

5 answers to What Are the Most Common Bridge Complications?

Implant vs. bridge

According to some studies, bridges have an average life span of about 6.7 years. This is due to frequrent recurrent caries, root canal complications, and excessive forces that are common to bridges. Generally, I don't recommend them. Dental implants are now the standard of care for tooth replacement and if properly done can have lifetime results. Please see our website in the implant section for some very insightful information on the difference. Dr. kazemi more

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD
Bethesda Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Bridge vs. Implant

There are no significant complications from getting a bridge over an implant. Both have risks and benefits. A bridge requires reduction of the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth area to support and hold the bridge in place. We recommend this option in our office when the adjacent teeth have already been heavily restored and may require crowns in the not too distant future. The risks include recurrent decay of the bridge/ tooth margin due to poor hygiene or damage to... more

Marc Zive, DMD
Springfield Cosmetic Dentist

Dental Bridge Failing.

The number one complication or cause of failure of a dental bridge is decay under one of the adjacent teeth. A dental bridge is a form of replacement of a tooth that utilizes adjacent teeth as abutments. Because of the inability to floss between the connected teeth, the abutment teeth are very susceptible to decay. The decay can very easily lead to pulp (nerve) necrosis (death) and may result in a need to preform root canal therapy. A dental implant... more

Dan Hagi, DDS
Toronto Cosmetic Dentist

Common bridge complications

When discussing the replacement of a missing tooth, dentists typically place in order an implant then a bridge. An imlplant is a slight bit more costly ut takes longer to heal, yet is more conservative because no adjacent teeth are touched. A bridge is second because there are some concerns over time. Cavities can start under the bridge on the tooth near the root. This can lead to a new bridge being required. Flossing under a bridge can prevent this from occuring... more

Keith Blankenship, DDS
Jacksonville Cosmetic Dentist

Bridge Complications

There are really no serious bridge complications. The only reason you may choose a bridge over an implant would be if the teeth on either side are not in the best condition. If the teeth are in relatively good shape I would opt for a dental implant since it does not invovle preparing the teeth on either side. Being active in contact sports should have no effect on either choices. Speak to you dentist and see which you are a better candidate for. more

Leonard Tau, DMD
Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist

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