An estimated 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Dental bridges are a popular, lifelike replacement option to restore one’s smile that use the surrounding teeth for support. Though they are highly durable, what should you do if your dental bridge falls out? Here’s how to handle this dental emergency and what to do until your dentist can see you.
Common Reasons Dental Bridges Fall Out
With proper care, dental bridges can last 5-15 years. When one falls out, it’s usually due to one of the following issues:
- Irregular bite pattern – Having an irregular bite pattern means a component of your bridge is too high or low on the chewing surface leading to an uneven distribution of pressure. This will cause it to loosen over time, and it may eventually detach completely.
- Tooth decay – Though the replacement tooth and the dental crowns it’s attached to can’t get cavities, the underlying teeth and gums are still vulnerable to oral health issues. Improper teeth cleaning can allow harmful bacteria to flourish and cavities to develop. If they aren’t treated promptly, the infection can spread deep into the tooth. Eventually, there may not be enough tooth structure left to support a crown, and your bridge could fall out.
What to Do If Your Dental Bridge Fell Out
The first step is to take a deep breath. Dental emergencies happen, but it’s nothing your dentist can’t fix. Place the bridge in a plastic bag or a storage case to keep it safe and call your dentist’s office and explain what happened. They will guide you through the next steps and schedule a time for you to come in to have it reattached.
If your dental bridge falls out outside of your dentist’s office hours, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and eating or drinking anything too hot or cold to lessen tooth sensitivity. When it’s time for your appointment, your emergency dentist will evaluate your teeth and create a treatment plan that addresses the reason why your bridge fell out. If the bridge is still in good condition, they may be able to simply recement it into place. However, if the bridge is damaged or needs to be adjusted, they may need to replace it entirely.
Though a dental bridge can replace your missing teeth and restore your smile, it’s crucial to take good care of your remaining natural teeth to make sure it functions properly. If you run into any issues such as the bridge falling out, call your emergency dentist as soon as possible so you can get back to enjoying a full, beautiful smile.
About the Practice
Dr. Jennifer Pham and her Downtown Family Dental of Leesburg team provide patients with the efficient, effective, and high-quality dental care they deserve. They are kind, compassionate, and go out of their way to make sure patients of all ages feel safe and comfortable during treatment. If your dental bridge falls off, they will treat you to the emergency dental care you need to complete your smile. If you want to schedule an appointment or need to have a dental bridge repaired or replaced, visit Downtown Family Dental of Leesburg’s website or call them at (703) 666-3867.