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Cosmetic Dentistry Chicago Illinois IL Cook Cty Implants

Nobel Biocare Sirona Implant Partner Total Maxillary Mandibular Teeth Replacement Rehab in County areas Cook Northbrook Evanston North Shore Chicago

  Daniel Marinic DDS
  Bridgework Failure
  2611 Broadway Ave
  Metro Chicago Illinois
  Evanston IL 60201
  847-475-8700

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

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Failed Dental Bridges

Total Failure - Cemented Bridge

Simple Fix - Repair - Replacement?

Dental bridges can fail for a very wide range of reasons.

Depending upon how the bridge was originally fabricated, the materials used, the mounting system used (cemented versus implant supported) and the final functional outcome achieved (occlusion is or isn't near perfect), it is difficult to determine if repairing it would be sensible treatment.

For some patients, it is not so much of an issue of how the bridge was designed, fabricated and mounted, but rather an issue of how it is cared for.

Practicing good hygiene habits can be a real headache in some cases. Difficult to floss, difficult to clean, difficult to reach all the critical areas. But, as with many things in dentistry, oral health habits affect the dental function and longevity of this type of tooth replacement solution.

Length of Service - How Long Do Bridges Last?

It is not uncommon for bridgework to last up to 30 years or more. Unfortunately, failure can occur in as little as 1 month. Insurance companies typically "expect" average bridgework to endure about 5 years, which is reflected in most dental insurance programs.

Cementation Factors

Depending on the span of the bridge, 2 or 3 or more tooth structures may be prepared to provide support for a cemented bridge. Lateral forces on the end anchor teeth are often the culprit in causing a point of leakage. Routine visits to the dentist however, can often prevent this type of failure.

Cemented Bridge Tooth Prep

Eating Habits and Preferences

For some bridgework, depending on location, the stability can be affected by the foods we eat. Eating hard shelled candies or ice, for example, can cause undue forces just as easily as eating gummy, slow chewing jelly beans or toffee that can unseat a bridge.

Change in Occlusal Plane

Events that cause a change in the opposing tooth structures (above or below a bridge) can cause some types of bridges to flex. Non metallic bridges are more likely to flex than a prosthetic that has a metallic infrastructure.

Bacteria

Infrequent cleaning and flossing of areas underneath a bridge is a common cause of bridgework eventually becoming loose and later, dysfunctional. Left too long, the bridge can acquire a destructive characteristic.

Keeping the anchor teeth gum tissues free of bacteria accumulation is essential. Bacteria accumulating in areas not immediately adjacent to anchor teeth can also flow into the anchor areas via normal saliva action.

The issue of preventing bacteria buildup applies to cemented bridges and implant supported bridges. Because of flex forces and liquified bacteria, seepage can even occur at implant sites.

Preventive Maintenance

Keeping soft tissues clean is paramount for promoting the longevity of comfort and service. Dentists often recommend and/or provide oral hygiene supplies for servicing bridgework. Routine, periodic hygiene visits to the dentist can help to detect, early on, suspected potentials for failure.

Repair

Early detection of a suspected failure can oftentimes lead to the possibility of repairing or remounting a bridge product. Recementing, replacement of fixed bridge implant screws, replacement of crowns within a bridge may even be possible, depending on the fabrication methods and materials used.

In situations where seepage and decay is significant, chances for repair are minimal. Anchor tooth structures and cementation surfaces can change significantly in a short amount of time, rendering the bridge unusable.

Fixed bridges in some instances may require removal of a failed loose or infected implant which may be accompanied by bone loss. Bone grafts or specialized implant devices may be required to repair the affected site.

Questions?

Dental bridges, cemented or implant supported, provide the perfect solution for replacing a few to all tooth structures in a given arch. Learn more about what can be done to achieve the best dental function that endures for years and years without incident.

Use our convenient on-line Consult Request form or the Ask The Dentist form. Dr. Marinic will respond to you directly with the answers or information you need to make an informed decision.

Or, call our office at (847) 475-8700 to schedule a Consultation appointment.

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Chicago Cosmetic Implant Dentist
Full Mouth Reconstructive Dental Surgeon
Daniel Marinic, D.D.S., F.I.O.C.I.
2611 Broadway Ave; Evanston
Chicagoland IL 60201
Cook County Illinois
(847) 475-8700
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