Dental bridges are a great option if you’re missing one or more consecutive teeth. You might’ve gotten them as a reliable, affordable way to restore your full smile. They can last for up to 15 years with proper care, but there’s a rare chance they fall out well before. Here’s how to handle this situation until you can visit your emergency dentist.
What Caused Your Dental Bridge to Fall Out?
Before diving into what to do, it might be helpful to get an idea of what might’ve happened to your bridge. These are a few common reasons why it may have fallen out:
- Tooth decay can occur on the teeth supporting this restoration. The cavity might’ve weakened the bond. Injury can also do this.
- Improper bite can happen when your upper and lower teeth come together at odd angles. This can cause pressure points on your bridge and knock it out of place. For instance, a part of your restoration may rest too high.
- Damaged abutments are a link between this prosthetic and dental implants. Infection of the supporting structures or damage can affect the hold.
In some cases, your bridge might’ve been old and needed to be replaced anyways.
How to Handle a Fallen Dental Bridge
Regardless, if you found yourself in this situation, here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:
- Find your bridge and place it in a clean container if broken.
- If intact, rinse with water and clean it with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Reinsert it back into your mouth if your teeth aren’t damaged, using temporary dental cement or denture adhesive. If not, then follow the first point.
- Call your dentist and explain what happened. They can give you more advice and get you scheduled right away.
While you wait for your visit, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Don’t eat anything hard or sticky, as they can cause further damage or worsen the issue. You might be tempted to try DIY fixes, like superglue, but household adhesives can be toxic.
It’s best to let your provider give you the solution you deserve. They can find the underlying cause, handle it, and get you back your full smile without trouble.
About the Author
Dr. Jed Koops earned his dental degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He is dedicated to helping patients in Beachwood restore their missing teeth with reliable solutions like dental bridges. Dr. Koops has advanced training in this treatment, so you can trust that you will get lifelike results that last for years to come. If your restoration fell out, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling 216-464-2448.