Why Are Dental Bridges Replaced?

The main reason a bridge would have to be replaced is that a cavity forms on the tooth below. Very few circumstances will allow a bridge to survive after a cavity is found below the bridge. These factors affect a bridge's lifespan: 1) a person's oral hygiene routine and diet, 2) how frequently he or she visits the dentist for a cleaning and exam, 3) what types of materials are used for the bridge, and 4) a person's occlusion/ bite. Regarding a... more

The most common reason a dental bridge needs to be replaced is due to recurrent decay, or a "cavity". Sometimes that cavity goes deep underneath the bridge or below the gum tissue and can only be accessed by removing the bridge & fabricating a new bridge. Other reasons a bridge might need to be replaced are due to mechanical failures: such as the bridge getting loose or fracturing. Some patients have bridges that are visible in their smile and no longer look... more