COMPLICATIONS AND RISKS
As with all procedures, there are certain potential problems associated with bridges. These include, but are not limited to:
- Adverse reactions to the anesthetic, drugs, medications
- Infection
- Post-operative sensitiveness/pain: Some patients may feel soreness or sensitivity around the gums or teeth for a few days to week, and may notice minor swelling, tenderness, sensitivity, joint pain or prolonged numbness from the anesthetic. This is uncommon and should settle but if it persists, you should inform your dentist.
- Decay underneath the bridge is one of the most common reasons for failure. It is important to remember that there is still natural tooth underneath the bridge which can decay due to poor diet and poor hygiene. If decay is left untreated and infects the entire tooth under the bridge, it may result in the loss of the bridge, root canal treatment or even result in the removal of the tooth.
- Wear, chipping, breaking, loosening of the bridge, can occur due to chewing hard foods; changes in biting forces; traumatic blows to the mouth; breakdown of the bonding agents; etc. Many times, unobservable cracks may develop in bridges but may only finally break when chewing soft foods, or possibly for no evident reason. Seldom does breakage or chipping occur due to defective construction or materials.
- Grinding your teeth at night can cause excessive forces on your bridge, which makes it more susceptible to fractures. Your dentist may recommend using a mouthguard to protect your bridge when you grind your teeth in sleep or during sports.
- Root canal treatment may be required subsequently. There is the possibility that the teeth after being bridged may develop a condition known as pulpitis or pulpal degeneration. Usually, this cannot be predicted. The tooth or teeth may have been traumatized from an accident, deep decay, extensive preparation, or other causes prior to bridging. Should your teeth remain sensitive for a long time following a bridge, it may be necessary to start root canal treatment on them. In such a case, a small hole will have to be made through the bridge to access the root system. This will weaken the bridge considerably. Occasionally the bridge can still be kept on and the hole filled up with a filling material, but if the overall integrity of the bridge is affected, it will need to be replaced.
- Your bridge does not change colour, however your teeth can. Overtime, natural teeth become darker or yellower as a result of aging, or lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking coffee or wine. Your dentist may recommend teeth whitening for your natural teeth to ensure that all your teeth match.
- Gum recession due to aging or lifestyle habits may affect the aesthetics of your bridge, by causing the bridge margins to become exposed, or the teeth to look longer.
- The gums or soft tissues of the mouth may be inflamed, swollen or painful/sore after the procedure. With all procedures, there is possibility of gum infection or disease. Your dentist will be able to discuss further with you.
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction may occur due to changes in the bite following your treatment. This can usually be corrected, but in very rare occasions may cause symptoms requiring extensive treatment. Soreness, swelling, bruising, and restricted mouth and/or damage to the jaw joints (TMJ)
- Food impaction may occur under a bridge- this may be an unavoidable condition. Meticulous home care is required.
- Extraction of tooth may be required should the tooth be irreversibly damaged and cannot be salvaged. This rarely occurs but usually happens if the original tooth is heavily broken or has deep, extensive cracks.