Restoration Rescue: What to Do If Your Dental Bridge Falls Out

Many patients with dental problems are unsure whether their condition constitutes an emergency and wait for an appointment to be seen. Unfortunately, doing so can potentially put your oral health at risk. For example, if your dental bridge has just fallen out, you might not think of it as urgent if you’re not hurting or bleeding.

However, the gap in your grin is vulnerable to infection or potential injury until your prosthetic is repaired or replaced, so you should schedule a visit as soon as possible. Continue reading to learn more about why your bridge may have become dislodged and how to safeguard your smile until you arrive for your appointment.

Why Did My Dental Bridge Fall Out?

Most dental bridges are made from resilient ceramic and can last anywhere from 5 to 15+ years if cared for correctly. Although they’re durable, they’re not completely invincible to harm. There are a few circumstances that might result in a lost restoration, such as:

• Poor dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing twice daily regularly removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. If you develop cavities or your connective tissues become infected, it can weaken the abutment teeth anchoring your bridge in place, causing it to fail.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism). If you subconsciously clench your teeth together at night, it can wear down your prosthetic and natural enamel, leaving your pearly whites prone to chips, cracks, and other injuries that could destabilize your bridge.
• Bite misalignment. If you have bruxism or other TMJ conditions that affect how your teeth come together when you bite down, you could be unevenly distributing the pressure more on one side or another, which can dislodge it.

What Should I Do If My Dental Bridge Falls Out?

It’s natural to feel anxious when your restoration comes loose, but try not to panic. Take a deep breath to steady any frayed nerves, then take the following steps to get the help you need:

• Contact your dentist. Call your provider so they can schedule an appropriate time for you to be seen. They may also provide over-the-phone care instructions to follow until you arrive.
• Locate your dental bridge. There’s a chance some or all of your restoration can be reused, so do your best to find any missing pieces. Rinse them gently with water to remove dirt and debris.
• Store the bridge safely. Place your restoration in a baggy or container to take with you to the dentist. If it’s mostly whole and your teeth aren’t injured, gently put it back over the abutment teeth in your mouth with special dental wax or cement, if you have any.

Once you arrive at your dentist’s office, they’ll examine your mouth to assess the damage and suggest treatments. If you’re in pain or overly anxious, they can also provide sedation to provide some much-needed relief.

Depending on your situation, they may be able to cement your dental bridge back in place. Otherwise, they may need to make new impressions and provide a new one. Either way, you’ll soon have a fully restored smile with no one the wiser!

About the Practice

At Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie, you and the entire family benefit from a team of dentists who work together to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. With decades of combined experience, they welcome people of all ages and take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. If your dental bridge is lost or damaged, you can request an appointment on the website or call (469) 837-8351.