If you were missing one or more consecutive teeth, then you might’ve gotten them replaced with a dental bridge. It’s an affordable way to get your full smile back while also lasting for up to 15 years with proper care. While durable, there’s a rare chance this restoration falls out. Here’s what you should do in this situation and why this can happen to avoid any problems later.
What Should I Do If My Dental Bridge Came Down?
Losing any type of dental prosthetic can be worrying, but the good news is your oral health isn’t in any immediate harm. Regardless, it’s important you act quickly to get back your confident grin. Firstly, take a deep breath if you’re getting worked up, and then follow these steps:
- Find your bridge and keep the pieces of it together if it broke.
- If it’s still intact, then clean it off with water and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- You can try to reinsert your restoration if the supporting teeth aren’t damaged or loose. You can use over-the-counter temporary dental cement or denture adhesive.
- Place your bridge in a clean container if you can’t do the above.
- Call your dentist and explain the situation. They will be able to give you more advice and get you scheduled as soon as possible.
As you wait for your visit, be sure you don’t chew on that side of your mouth or eat any hard or sticky foods. These can worsen the issue or cause further damage. Not only that, but don’t do any DIY fixes like using superglue or other household adhesives; they are often toxic and cause trouble.
Why Did My Bridge Fall in the First Place?
While you head to your dental office, you might be curious about why you found yourself in this scenario in the first place. There are several reasons that can be the culprit. Here are a few common ones:
- Tooth Decay: If your bridge is supported by your natural teeth, then they can still develop a cavity due to poor oral hygiene. Make sure you brush and floss consistently to avoid any issues.
- Improper Bite: In some cases, your dental arches might come together at odd spots. This can put pressure points on your restoration and knock it out of place. For instance, there may be a part of it that’s too high on the chewing surface, so it hits harder than the rest.
- Damaged Abutments: These refer to the supporting structures that hold this replacement up, such as your natural teeth or dental implants. They can become weaker due to decay or injury, so they may not be strong enough to hold it up.
In other cases, your bridge might’ve just been older and needed to be replaced anyway! By calling your dentist, you can get this situation handled and get you back to your full, confident smile.
About the Practice
At Texas Dentistry & Braces, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are here to help the Kaufman community during their dental emergencies, such as a fallen dental bridge. By offering same-day urgent visits, we can get you the relief you deserve as soon as possible. If your restoration has come out of place, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (972) 932-3918.