With proper care, a dental bridge has the potential to last for 10 years or longer. You can expect your restoration to provide you with reliable function for a long time. But what if your dental bridge falls out? What should you do? You should take prompt action to protect your oral health. This blog post explains why dental bridges might fall out and what you can do to minimize any potential negative consequences if that ever happens to you.
Why Do Bridges Fall Out?
There are a few reasons why a dental bridge might fall out:
- Decay on the supporting teeth. If bacteria sneak beneath a bridge, they can attack the underlying teeth. Eventually, those teeth may develop spots of decay, which can affect how the bridge fits on them.
- Bite problems. If your upper and lower teeth do not work harmoniously together, that can place a lot of pressure on your bridge. Eventually, it might fall off.
- Damage to the bridge. If you are involved in an accident, or you bite on something extremely hard with your bridge, it might incur damage and become loose as a result.
How to Handle a Lost Dental Bridge
If you ever lose your bridge, you should:
- Call your emergency dentist. You should seek professional care ASAP so your dentist can examine your teeth and reattach or replace your bridge.
- Securely store your bridge. Since your dentist might be able to reattach your bridge, you should store it in a small container with a lid and bring it with you to your appointment.
- Protect your exposed teeth. Your exposed teeth, as well as the gap between them, will be extra vulnerable to harm while your bridge is missing. Avoid chewing in the area, and be gentle when you are carrying out your oral hygiene routine.
What to Expect at Your Dental Appointment
Your dentist will take a look at both your teeth and your bridge. If possible, they will reattach your restoration. However, you might need an entirely new bridge.
Additionally, you may require restorative care for the exposed abutment teeth, especially if decay was the primary reason for the bridge falling out of its place. If the decay is severe, it might be necessary for your dentist to perform one or more extractions.
A missing dental bridge is an urgent oral health issue! Take quick action to protect your precious smile.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page and the team at Capital Smiles provide general, restorative, and emergency dental services for the Schenectady community. We pride ourselves on treating each patient with gentleness and respect; we always strive to make procedures as comfortable as possible. If you are dealing with a lost bridge or another oral health problem, we would be happy to help you get things back on track. Contact us at 518-374-0317.