Did Your Dental Bridge Fall Out? Here’s What You Should Do!
August 24, 2022
Even though high-quality restorations like dental bridges are durable, they’re still at risk of falling out from time to time. If you ever find yourself in that situation, you may be surprised and unsure of what to do. Luckily, we’ve got you covered! Read on to learn a few possible reasons why your dental bridge fell out, what you can do to manage the situation until your appointment, and how your dentist can get your smile back on the right track.
Why Do Dental Bridges Fall Out?
There are numerous reasons why dental bridges fall out. Let’s take a closer look at some common reasons why it can happen:
- Tooth Decay: If decay forms under or around a dental bridge, it can cause it to fall out. That’s why it’s incredibly important to clean your teeth thoroughly every single day.
- Improper Bite: An irregular bite pattern creates pressure points across the dental bridge, causing it to fall out.
- Short, Weakened, or Damaged Abutment Teeth: A dental bridge is connected on both sides by your natural teeth. If the abutment teeth become damaged or weak after the bridge is fitted, your restoration can fall out.
What Should You Do If Your Dental Bridge Falls Out?
First things first – do not panic! Dentists see these things happen from time to time, which means they’ll know how to solve the problem. The most important thing you’ll need to do is save your dental bridge so it can be repaired and reinserted. Place the restoration in a Ziploc bag or clear container to keep it safe. Make sure you take it with you to your appointment!
If you can’t visit your dentist right away after your dental bridge fell out, you should avoid chewing in the affected area. That area will be weak and your tooth structure may not be able to withstand standard functions. You can take over-the-counter pain medication and use a cold compress to ease any discomfort you may have.
How Your Dentist Can Help
The best treatment method for your smile will depend on the reason why your dental bridge fell out. If your abutment teeth or restoration are damaged, they’ll simply need to be repaired. However, you may need to explore your tooth-replacement options if your abutment teeth are too unstable or weak to continue supporting your bridge.
Did your dental bridge fall out? Contact your dentist right away and ask what your next steps should be. They’ll be able to give you the best advice on what to do in this situation!
About the Practice
At Sunrise Dental Center, we’ve helped patients achieve optimal oral health for over three decades now. Our team is passionate about providing quality service that’ll leave you smiling after every appointment. If your dental bridge fell out, give us a call right away. We’ll address the situation and get your oral health back on the right track in no time! You can make an appointment via our website or call (713) 869-9973.