How Long Does an Implant-Supported Bridge Last?
If you are considering an implant-supported bridge, you may be curious about how long you can expect the treatment to last. Implant-supported bridge treatment requires a substantial cost and time investment, so it is important to know if the treatment is the right decision for you. Below is more information to help you decide if the treatment option is right for you and how long you can expect an implant-supported bridge to last.
Taking Care of an Implant Supported Bridge
Implant-supported bridges offer a more durable and stronger alternative to traditional bridges if the appliance is appropriately cared for. The primary difference is that an implant-supported bridge is attached to titanium implants placed in the bone, instead of being supported by nearby teeth. However, because implant-supported bridges are not removed from the mouth, they may collect and trap bits of food that can build up over time. Maintenance and proper care are critically important to make sure the bridge lasts a lifetime. Here are some of the most important steps to taking care of an implant-supported bridge:
- Daily cleaning: Just like your natural teeth, a bridge should be brushed twice daily. When brushing, extra care should be taken to clean around the implants, making sure to remove bacteria from the area. Allowing food to build up around the implant may lead to serious dental health problems, like disease or gum irritation.
- Regular oral care: Also, just like taking care of your natural teeth, it is important to maintain regular dental visits to keep your bridge clean and properly placed. Regular visits will make sure any potential issues are caught early.
- Overall health: Maintaining a healthy jawbone is important to the life of the dental implant that supports the bridge. A weak jawbone may result in a loose or failing implant. Daily brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, and not smoking are all important to keeping your jawbone healthy.
- Diet: Eating a diet that is rich in fresh foods and vitamins is important to optimal oral health and strong bones. Diets that are high in sugary or acidic foods can cause the implants to fail and can encourage excess growth of bacteria.
Bone Stimulation
One of the many benefits of dental implants that is also key to their longevity is that they help to stimulate healthy bone growth in the jawbone. If the bones are not regularly used and stimulated, they become weak and may start to shrink and wither. Traditional dental bridges do not help the bone stay strong or continue to be stimulated. With a strong jawbone and a dental implant that supports a bridge, that bridge can last for many years, and potentially a lifetime.
The biggest determining factor in how long a dental implant lasts is you. When an implant bridge is taken care of properly, it will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years or longer. That potentially means once you invest your time and money in dental implants and a bridge, you may never need to replace them and will enjoy their benefits for years.
Related Article: How Many Teeth Does an Implant Supported Bridge Have?