How Long Does an Implant Supported Bridge Last
An implant-supported bridge is an excellent option for patients who are missing two or more consecutive teeth! Using dental implants give the bridge a measure of comfort and stability that simply cannot be reached with traditional restorations. Implants have the added benefit of maintaining bone health! Just like our tooth roots, implants work to stimulate bone regeneration and prevent deterioration. An implant-supported bridge can last between 10 and 20 years, but with proper care, it has the potential to last a lifetime!
Lifespan of an Implant-Supported Bridge
There are a few factors that come into play when determining how long your implant-supported bridge will last so it is important to understand what exactly needs to be done to protect your investment!
Oral Care and Maintenance
Just as you care for your natural teeth, you need to take certain steps to make sure your new implant-supported bridge stays clean and healthy! Since your new prosthesis is permanently fixed in place, you cannot remove it for your oral hygiene routine so it is important to take the time to clean under the bridge to flush out any food particles that may have settled in during the day. A water flosser is a great tool that can help clean under your bridge.
During your regular dental visits, your hygienist can help you learn how to properly clean around the implants and under your bridge to make sure you remove all debris and bacteria. Your professional cleanings will also help ensure that your bridge not only stays clean and healthy, but that it is in good shape and does not have any repairs that need to be made.
In the event that you do need to have work done on your implant-supported bridge, your dentist will remove the bridge and place a temporary one while your bridge is repaired by the dental lab. Once your dentist receives your tuned-up bridge, they will bring you back to the office to have it put back in!
Overall Health
Proper nutrition is vital to our overall health, including our oral health. Patients should practice a healthy diet with a wide variety of healthy foods. Nutrition helps support bone health as well which is vital to the longevity of an implant-supported bridge. If the jaw bone becomes too weak, the implants can fail and will have to be removed.
Eating crunchy foods like raw vegetables and nuts help give the implants a little movement to provide stimulation to the jaw for bone regeneration. Sugary and acidic foods are not only unhealthy as a whole but bacteria feed on sugars and can cause damage and implant failure.
The lifespan of an implant-supported bridge is different for everyone but practicing proper nutrition and regular dental visits will help keep your bridge healthy and clean. Implants are considered a permanent restoration and do not often need to be replaced so with proper care and maintenance, you can protect your investment and hopefully keep it for a lifetime!