How long should a "permanent" bridge last?

Question

In Jan 2005 I was fixed with a permanent bridge to my back three bottom molars. I was being fitted for a crown on the back molar when the one next to it came up in the mold! (This was a tooth that alot of money was used to save and it was crowned-just like that it was gone). So there I was with a decision: let all that money go down the drain already spent on saving both those teeth or give up. I opted for a beautiful permanent bridge (most dental assitants don't understand why they can't floss between my teeth) but a piece of the porcelain came off the back side of the back molar and the metal is stabbing me in the tongue. My biggest concern is why it would break so soon (and I was only eating pizza) and if will have to be replaced. If it does I don't think I should be responsible since it's so new, any advice?

Answer 1

15 to 20 years if done well, but patient factors can play a role as to how you maintain the bridge and clean the teeth etc.