Chesaning Family Dental

Dental bridges are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring both function and aesthetics. They help patients chew properly, maintain facial structure, and prevent remaining teeth from shifting. However, like any dental appliance, bridges can experience wear and tear over time. Many patients wonder what happens if their dental bridge gets damaged and whether it can be replaced.

Patients frequently seek dental bridges in Chesaning to address missing teeth and enhance oral health. While dental bridges are durable, they are not indestructible. Accidents, biting on hard foods, or poor oral hygiene can lead to damage, including cracks, chips, or loosening of the bridge. Understanding your options for repair or replacement is essential to maintaining a healthy and functional smile.

Common Causes of Dental Bridge Damage

Several factors can contribute to dental bridge damage:

• Trauma or Accidents: Falls or impacts can crack or dislodge a bridge.
• Wear and Tear: Bridges are subjected to daily chewing forces, which may weaken the material over time.
• Tooth Decay or Gum Disease: Decay of supporting teeth or gum issues can compromise the bridge’s stability.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Plaque and tartar buildup around the bridge can lead to structural weakening.

Regular dental checkups help identify early signs of damage and prevent complications, ensuring your dental bridge remains functional for as long as possible.

Can a Dental Bridge Be Repaired?

Minor damage, such as small chips or loose fittings, can sometimes be repaired by a dentist. Repair methods may include:

• Reshaping or Re-bonding: Small chips can be smoothed and re-bonded using dental materials.
• Replacing a Single Crown: If one section of a bridge is damaged, the dentist may replace only the affected crown rather than the entire bridge.

However, extensive damage, structural weakness, or decay in supporting teeth usually requires complete replacement of the dental bridge.

How a Dental Bridge Is Replaced

If replacement is necessary, a skilled dentist in Chesaning will follow a step-by-step process:

• Assessment and Imaging: Evaluating the condition of surrounding teeth and gums to plan the new bridge.
• Removal of the Damaged Bridge: Carefully removing the old bridge without harming adjacent teeth.