How long are dental bridges good for

A bridge replaces a missing tooth with an artificial tooth, called a pontic, attached to crowns or connectors supported by neighbouring teeth or implants. Chewing loads pass through those abutments, so decay, gum disease, fracture, grinding, and poor cleaning can shorten its service life.

Brush around the crowns, clean under the pontic with floss threaders or an interdental brush, attend examinations, and use a night guard if a dentist diagnoses damaging grinding. A dentist may check the margins, bite, abutments, supporting bone, and any looseness before deciding whether repair or replacement is needed.

Seek care if the bridge moves, cracks, traps food, causes bleeding, produces bad taste, or becomes painful. Prompt assessment is important when an abutment tooth has swelling or sensitivity because decay or infection can develop beneath a crown.

Ask which bridge design and material suit the gap, how the abutment teeth will be prepared, how to clean beneath the pontic, and what signs mean the bridge or a supporting tooth needs review.