Is a Dental Bridge Permanent?

Average lifespan statistics:

Studies published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry and other dental research indicate that the average dental bridge lasts 10-15 years. This is the typical timeframe most dentists quote when discussing bridge longevity with patients.

However, this average encompasses a wide range. Some bridges fail within 5 years, usually due to problems with the supporting teeth or poor oral hygiene. On the other hand, many bridges last 15-20 years, and some patients keep their bridges for 25-30 years or even longer with excellent care and a bit of luck.

What "permanent" really means:

In dental terminology, "permanent" refers to how the prosthetic is attached, not how long it lasts. A permanent or fixed bridge is cemented onto anchor teeth (called abutments) and cannot be removed by the patient. This contrasts with removable options like partial dentures, which you take out for cleaning and sleeping. So when your dentist says "permanent bridge," they mean it's fixed in place—not that you'll never need to replace it.

Why bridges don't last forever:

Even the best dental work exists in a challenging environment. Your mouth is warm, wet, and full of bacteria. You use your teeth thousands of times a day for biting and chewing, exposing them to significant forces. Additionally, your gums and bone change over time, and the natural teeth supporting the bridge can develop problems. Given all these factors, it's actually remarkable that bridges last as long as they do.

Factors that extend bridge life:

Excellent oral hygiene is the single most important factor in bridge longevity. Brushing twice daily, flossing daily (including under and around the bridge using floss threaders or special bridge floss), and using antimicrobial mouthwash helps prevent decay on the anchor teeth—one of the main reasons bridges fail.

Regular dental checkups every six months allow your dentist to monitor the bridge and supporting teeth, catching problems early when they're easier to address. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that home care misses, especially in hard-to-reach areas around the bridge.

Dietary choices matter too. Avoiding excessively hard foods (ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels) and sticky foods (caramels, taffy) reduces stress on the bridge and prevents it from being pulled loose.

If you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), wearing a custom nightguard protects your bridge from the massive forces generated during grinding—forces much greater than normal chewing.

Factors that shorten bridge life:

Poor oral hygiene is the number one bridge killer. Without proper cleaning, bacteria accumulate around the bridge, leading to decay in the anchor teeth. Once an anchor tooth develops significant decay, the bridge must be removed and replaced—if the tooth can even be saved.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) affects the bone and gum tissue supporting the anchor teeth. As bone loss progresses, teeth become loose, and the bridge loses its stable foundation.

Habits like chewing ice, biting pens, opening packages with your teeth, or grinding without a nightguard all stress the bridge beyond its design limits. A single unfortunate bite on a hard object can crack or loosen a bridge that was otherwise doing fine.

Finally, the original quality of the work matters. A well-designed bridge made with quality materials and proper technique will outlast a rushed or poorly fitted one.

The bridge feels loose or moves:

A properly cemented bridge should feel as solid as your natural teeth. If you can feel any movement when chewing or pressing on the bridge with your tongue, the cement may be failing. This is actually one of the better problems to have—if caught early, the bridge can often be cleaned and re-cemented without needing replacement.

Pain in the anchor teeth:

Any pain in the teeth supporting your bridge warrants immediate attention. Pain could indicate decay, infection, or fracture of the anchor tooth. Because the tooth is covered by a crown (part of the bridge), you can't see what's happening underneath, making professional evaluation essential.

Gum inflammation around the bridge:

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around your bridge suggest periodontal problems. This could be early gum disease, which is treatable, or it could indicate that the bridge margins are harboring bacteria. Either way, professional attention is needed.

Persistent bad smell or taste:

A bad odor or taste localized to the bridge area often indicates bacteria accumulating in spaces where food gets trapped. This might mean the bridge fit has deteriorated or that decay is developing. Don't ignore this—it's often an early warning of problems.

Chipping or visible damage:

Porcelain can chip, and even metal components can fatigue over time. Minor chips might be cosmetic, but significant damage compromises the bridge's function and seal.

Food getting trapped:

If food starts getting stuck under or around your bridge more than it used to, the fit may have changed. This could be due to gum recession, cement washout, or slight loosening of the bridge.

Common reasons bridges need replacement:

Decay on anchor teeth is the most common reason. If decay is small and caught early, the bridge might be removed, the decay addressed, and the same bridge re-cemented. But significant decay often means the tooth structure has changed too much, requiring a new bridge.

Fracture of an anchor tooth can be devastating. If the tooth breaks in a way that extends below the gum line, extraction may be the only option, fundamentally changing your bridge needs.

Progressive gum disease can loosen the anchor teeth to the point where they can no longer support a bridge. Addressing gum disease early is crucial to preventing this outcome.

The bridge itself can fracture, particularly all-porcelain bridges or older metal-ceramic designs subjected to heavy forces.

Changes in bite or wear patterns over many years can cause a bridge that once fit perfectly to no longer align properly with opposing teeth.

What replacement involves:

Replacing a bridge is similar to the original procedure. The old bridge is cut or ground off, the anchor teeth are assessed and re-prepared if needed, new impressions are taken, and a new bridge is fabricated. This typically takes two appointments with a temporary bridge in between.

Planning for the future:

When a bridge needs replacement, it's also a good time to consider whether another bridge is the best option or whether newer treatments like dental implants might be preferable. Your dentist can help you weigh the options based on the current condition of your teeth and bone.