Durability of a dental bridge
The dentist provides a 2-year warranty after the production of dental prosthesis, in which any repairs that are not self-inflicted are under goodwill. The average durability of bridges is between 7- 10 years, but it can of course last much longer, whereby the individual position, tooth situation and prognosis are also decisive. For example, if teeth are already weakened by periodontosis, the prognosis is much worse and more short-lived than with healthy teeth.
If the entire periodontal apparatus or only the teeth under the bridge are affected by inflammation, this is called periodontal disease. In addition to the mucous membranes, this inflammation mainly affects the bone, which then recedes. The teeth then no longer stand so firmly in the bone and the bridge can wobble with the teeth. If the abutment teeth are less than 20% in the bone, they have to be extracted, as they are not worth preserving. If the process is not yet so advanced, periodontal treatment at the dentist can help.
Advantages and disadvantages of a dental bridge
The decision whether a bridge or an implant with a crown is the individually optimal solution for a gap restoration is not always easy to make. In general, the implant is the best solution if the neighboring teeth are completely healthy and do not bear any fillings. In this case, healthy tooth substance would be removed by a bridge, which is not advisable.
However, if the neighbouring teeth have large plastic or amalgam fillings, the bridge can also protect and strengthen the neighbouring teeth and would be advisable in this case. Furthermore, the cleanability of an implant crown is much better than that of a bridge. The hold of both types of tooth replacement is comparably positive.
For the patient, the advantage of a fixed denture (e.g. a bridge) is the restoration of normal bite conditions with little disturbing foreign material in the oral cavity. In addition, the oral mucosa is not stressed. There are no visible retaining elements, no impairment of taste.
The shelf life is 10 years and longer. The disadvantage is the loss of healthy tooth substance when grinding the abutment teeth. Also, oral hygiene is more difficult compared to removable dentures. If one of the abutment teeth is lost for any reason, the entire dental bridge must be removed.
