If Your Dental Bridge Falls Out, Be Sure to Do This!

After living with missing teeth, having a custom dental bridge placed is like a breath of fresh air. It allows you to once again eat many of the foods that you may have had to give up, and it naturally compels you to smile. However, your bridge is only beneficial if it’s functional. If your dental bridge fell out, would you know what to do? If the answer is “No,” a local dentist explains how to effectively handle it.

What to Do if Your Dental Bridge Falls Out

In the event your dental bridge dislodges, don’t panic. It will only prolong the restoration process. In many cases, your dentist can make the necessary repairs to get you back to normal.

Until you can get in for a visit, place the appliance in a Ziploc bag. Therefore, you can avoid further damaging or losing it. When you visit, bring the damaged bridge with you so your dentist can determine if it’s repairable.

You can expect your supportive teeth (called the abutments) to be examined. If there are signs of damage or cavities, they will need to be repaired before moving forward with bonding the bridge back into position.

What Can Cause a Bridge to Fail?

In addition to repairing your bridge, your dentist will discuss ways to prevent a similar situation in the future. The following can contribute to dental bridge failure:

Improper bite

If your upper and lower teeth are misaligned and don’t meet properly, there can be imbalances when you bite into food. This can place unusual stress on your jaw and teeth and contribute to the bridge failing. The best way to identify and treat this problem early is to visit your dentist regularly for checkups.

Underlying tooth or gum decay

It’s always of paramount importance to practice good dental hygiene, whether you have a dental bridge or not. Otherwise, oral bacteria can rapidly accumulate and cause plaque development. Over time, this can lead to advanced tooth and gum decay and a failed bridge.

Misuse of your teeth

Using your teeth for anything other than chewing food is a big mistake. Such activities as prying open a package or trimming your fingernails with your teeth could lead to a dental emergency and compromise your bridge.

Chewing hard foods

Certain foods can place greater stress on your teeth than others. Therefore, you should abstain from eating hard nuts and seeds and other foods with similar textures, as doing so could eventually break the bond that secures your bridge.

If your dental bridge becomes damaged, there is help available, as your emergency dentist in Rockledge is just a phone call away. Once your oral health is restored, you can use the information you’ve learned to prevent a future mishap.

About the Author

Dr. Sowmya Kumar earned her dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. A lifelong learner, she regularly participates in advanced training courses to further sharpen her skills. Dr. Kumar restores smiles and lives by placing and repairing dental bridges at Premier Walk-in Dental, and she can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through her website.