Can A Damaged Porcelain Bridge Be Repaired?
How To Take Care Of Your Dental Bridges
Do you have a porcelain dental bridge that might need to be repaired? Although a porcelain bridge can last for several years with good care, it will eventually need repair or replacement. Contact your experienced Arizona dental clinic to learn more about whether your dental bridge may need to be repaired or replaced, and which option is best for you.
What Is A Porcelain Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a very common dental appliance that is placed into the mouth where one or two teeth are missing. The bridge is anchored to healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. The artificial teeth on a dental bridge, called crowns, look natural and can improve the appearance of your smile, while also helping to improve your ability to bite or chew, maintain the natural shape of your face, and promote the health of your whole mouth. Many dental bridges are made of porcelain, although some patients opt for metal or ceramic options.
With proper care, a dental bridge from your Arrowhead dentist can serve you well for many years. But eventually, all bridges will need attention, repair, or replacement.
What Causes Porcelain Bridges To Fail?
The primary reason why dental bridges become damaged or broken is a lack of care. Without a solid oral hygiene routine, bacteria can slip in beneath the crowns and cause decay in the surrounding natural teeth or gums.
Other causes of bridge failure include:
- Bad habits, such as chewing on pens or grinding your teeth
- Excessive consumption of very sticky or hard foods, such as toffee, caramels, and very hard candy
- Changes to supporting teeth that reduce the stability of the bridge, such as tooth decay or natural changes from aging
- Lack of dental care, which can be an opportunity to repair small problems before they become significant
How Do I Know If My Porcelain Bridge Needs Repair?
Although porcelain bridges from your Phoenix cosmetic dentist‘s office can be an effective solution for the physical and cosmetic complications of missing teeth, they aren’t a permanent solution and will need repair. Because the bridge covers your natural teeth, signs of tooth decay and bacteria can be hidden. If your porcelain bridge has become damaged or you’re experiencing tooth decay under the bridge, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Sensitivity in the teeth and gums around your bridge
- A crack in your tooth
- Porcelain pieces breaking off into your mouth
- Pain or sensitivity while eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth
If you experienced any of these symptoms, contact your Arizona dental office right away. Your dentist may also recommend bridge repair or replacement if the bridge no longer fits well in your mouth if the color doesn’t match your surrounding teeth, if the bridge has become loose, or you no longer like how it feels. Many bridges can be repaired rather than replaced, but your dentist will need to examine your bridge and determine which treatment method is right for you.
How Can A Porcelain Bridge Be Repaired?
The method of treatment for a damaged porcelain bridge will depend on how and why it failed. If you have an issue with one of the teeth that holds the bridge, the bridge will need to be removed so that the issue can be addressed. Because bridges are usually cemented to the neighboring teeth, the bridge itself may need to be broken. Once your supporting teeth have been treated, your dentist can put in a replacement bridge. Implants can also be a solution if the neighboring teeth cannot be fixed.
In other situations, the porcelain coating on the bridge may be chipped or broken, but the structure of the bridge is still solid. In these cases, your dentist may be able to repair the coating without replacing the bridge. A fractured crown can usually be repaired as well.
How Should I Care For My Porcelain Bridge?
Good oral hygiene habits are the best way to increase the longevity of your bridge. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily in order to prevent cavities, plaque buildup, and tooth decay. Additionally, your dentist may recommend a specially designed flossing tool that can fit into the gap between the gum and replacement teeth of your bridge.
Visit your Arizona dental clinic if you experience any sensitivity around your bridge, if you notice any chipping or cracking of the porcelain in your bridge, or if the bridge just doesn’t feel right. Scheduling cleaning appointments twice a year can go a long way toward extending the life of your porcelain bridge.
Fix Missing Teeth With A Bridge From Arizona’s Leading Cosmetic Dentist
Find quality and affordable dental care at Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead. Dr. Greg Ceyhan specializes in comprehensive family care and has extensive experience with implant and cosmetic dentistry. Whether you need a bridge repair, bridge replacement, implants, Invisalign, a cavity filling, or just a basic exam, Dr. Ceyhan can do it all with professionalism and expertise. Contact us today to schedule your new patient appointment!
What Patients Say About Us
“I was highly recommended to Dr. Ceyhan from a friend with many dental needs. I have been a patient for 3 years and have been so impressed with Dr. Ceyhan's knowledge, expertise and common sense approach to Dentistry and cosmetic Dentistry. With his years of training and experience, he can handle most things that come his way. Also, he is gentle and his staff is top notch knowledgeable and caring. You will love this office!!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Chipped Porcelain Bridge Be Fixed Without Full Replacement?
Often, yes. If the underlying structure of the bridge is still solid and only the porcelain coating has chipped or broken, your dentist may be able to repair the coating instead of replacing the whole bridge. A fractured crown on the bridge can usually be repaired the same way. Your dentist will need to examine the bridge in person to confirm which option fits your situation.
What Are The Warning Signs A Dental Bridge Needs Attention?
Watch for sensitivity in the teeth or gums around the bridge, a visible crack, porcelain pieces breaking off in your mouth, or pain while eating, drinking, or brushing. A bridge that no longer fits well, feels loose, or no longer matches the color of your surrounding teeth is also a sign to get it checked. If you notice any of these, contact your dentist right away rather than waiting.
How Long Does A Porcelain Dental Bridge Usually Last?
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, a porcelain bridge can serve you well for several years. Eventually every bridge needs attention, repair, or replacement, so the timeline depends on how consistently you brush, floss, and keep up with cleanings. Twice yearly cleaning appointments go a long way toward extending its life.
Is A Dental Implant A Better Option Than Repairing An Old Bridge?
It depends on the condition of the teeth supporting your bridge. If the neighboring teeth that anchor the bridge cannot be fixed, an implant can be a solution instead of a replacement bridge. Your dentist can walk you through whether repair, a new bridge, or an implant makes the most sense for your mouth.