What happens if you get a cavity under a bridge?

The bad news: the natural teeth underneath the crowns of a dental bridge are still vulnerable to tooth decay and other oral health issues. Tiny bits of food can get stuck in between teeth and a poorly fitted dental bridge, leading to tooth decay.

Why does my dental bridge smell?

This can happen years down the line, since the cement can begin to wear away in older bridges. When this occurs, bacteria and food can get underneath the crown, which can then lead to odor.

How long can a decayed tooth last?

Once a tooth is damaged or decaying, it’s only a matter of time before it dies. Depending on how heavy the damage, the tooth could die within a matter of days or even a couple of months. Darkened or discolored teeth are often the first sign that your tooth is on its way out.

Will a decayed tooth eventually fall out?

If a tooth dies or becomes rotten with decay, you should visit your dentist ASAP. The sooner a patient sees a dentist, the chances increase that a root canal can save a rotten tooth. So, yes a rotten tooth will eventually fall out, but a patient should not wait until it does.

What causes tooth decay under a dental bridge?

Poor oral hygiene and the consumption of sugar-packed foods are the common causes of tooth decay. If the tooth decay happens under a dental bridge, that’s an indication that it’s become widespread. Patients with dental bridges may get tooth decay under the bridge not necessarily because they fail to brush and floss their teeth.

What to do if you lose a tooth under a bridge?

Your dental team will show you how to brush and floss around your bridge properly. Be committed to this level of cleaning: decay under a bridge can lead to the loss of three teeth instead of one! Depending on the age of your bridge and what it’s made of, your dentist may recommend that you avoid chewing certain foods on it.

Can you see the decay under the bridge?

It is possible to see the cavity on the area where the bridge meets the tooth. If your cavity is deeper and you have crowns it is better to do an X-ray in order to see the decay underneath your bridge.

What do you need to know about a dental bridge?

A dental bridge consists of two or more crowns that fit on the top of the anchoring teeth or abutment. Between these crowns is a pontic, or false tooth, which will fill the gap of your missing tooth. The dentist cements the crowns into place over the healthy surrounding teeth.