If you have ever had missing or damaged teeth replaced or repaired in the past, then you were probably warned by your dentist that different treatments have different lifespans. The fact is that if you have your teeth replaced or repaired at an early age, then you are likely to need to replace or repair the original restoration at some point. Restored teeth can also be damaged in accidents, in the same way that natural teeth may be knocked out, while poor dental hygiene can cause gum disease or cavities, creating problems for the false teeth as well as the remaining real ones.

One of the most common questions we are asked here at Harley Street Dental Studio is how long a particular procedure or treatment will last and when a restored tooth is likely to need replacing. After all, these are often expensive treatments and patients want to be sure that they are getting their money’s worth. In the same way that the early signs of tooth decay are often spotted at routine check-ups, early problems with repaired teeth, dental bridges and other restorative work can often be fixed much more easily if they are seen before the damage is irreparable. This is why it is still important to attend regular appointments with your dentist even if you have a mouth full of false teeth.

Other signs to look out for to indicate that your restored teeth may need repairing or replacing is pain or discomfort, difficulty speaking or swallowing and feeling rough edges rubbing the inside of your mouth. If the problem is a minor one, the damaged tooth can often be repaired, either in your mouth or by removing the offending item and sending it away to a specialist laboratory, although this would depend on what type of treatment you had chosen in the first place. In some cases, the restored tooth or teeth will themselves need to be replaced. You can always go with the same procedure that you initially chose, but now may be a good opportunity to explore what new treatments are available for your particular dental problem.