Is a Bridge Permanent?

When you lose a tooth — whether it’s from decay or a sudden accident — filling in that gap in your mouth makes a big difference. Not only does it restore your smile, but it also helps to prevent your other teeth from shifting out of position. Plus, if you were dealing with speech or eating differences because of the missing tooth, it sets things right.

When it comes to getting that replacement tooth or teeth, you have options. You can get dental implants, which require surgery to get rooted into your jawbone. Or you could get dentures, but you’ll have to deal with learning to talk and eat with them. If you want something with no learning curve and no recovery time, a dental bridge delivers. 

With this option, our team at LA Dentists Group anchors the replacement tooth in your mouth by attaching it to crowns, then putting those crowns over your surrounding teeth. Plus, you can get your bridge here at our office in Glendale, California.

Once you do, you’ll probably be wondering if the bridge is permanent. Let’s take a look.

How long bridges last

Unlike dental implants, dental bridges aren’t a permanent solution. They do, however, last quite a while. With proper care, these replacement teeth can often last a decade or longer. 

Plus, because the neighboring teeth have already been prepared for your first bridge, getting any replacement bridges is faster and easier. Our LA Dentists Group team partners with you to monitor your bridge and plan a replacement as needed every decade or so.

If you decide you want a permanent solution rather than getting a new bridge, we can always explore dental implants with you, too. 

How to extend your bridge’s lifespan

To a large extent, the longevity of your bridge depends on how you care for it. Good oral hygiene — daily brushing and flossing — goes a long way toward helping to preserve both its appearance and its functionality. 

You should also be careful to avoid impact to the bridge. If you play a sport or undertake another activity that could mean banging your mouth, talk to our team about how to minimize the effects on your replacement tooth or teeth. 

We can also check your bridge each time you visit us for a teeth cleaning and dental exam. At these biannual visits, we evaluate your bridge and provide any treatment or adjustment needed to help it last as long as possible. 

Ultimately, with proper care, a bridge can be a long-term solution to the gap in your smile. To find out more about this option or to explore a bridge for yourself, call our office or book your appointment online today.