Dental bridges are a popular way to replace more than one missing tooth. They’re made of several custom-fitted false teeth attached together which anchor to your natural teeth on either side. Once in place, you’ll have a full, uniform smile just like you did before losing your pearly whites.
Because your dental bridge is such a sturdy and reliable solution, it can cause some serious anxiety if it ever falls out! If you’ve found yourself in this circumstance, you likely have questions like why it happened and what to do next. Keep reading to learn more about what causes this and how you can help yourself.
What Do I Do If My Dental Bridge Falls Out?
Firstly, though it can be quite challenging, try to remain calm. Take a few deep, soothing breaths so you can focus on the next steps. Call your dentist right away and make an appointment. It may not be considered an immediate emergency, but they’ll want to get you in as soon as they’re able. While you wait, you can:
- Find and rinse the dental bridge so it can be repaired and reinserted.
- Store it away somewhere you’ll remember. It’s fine to put it into a plastic baggy and place it safely aside until you see a dentist.
- Avoid chewing in that area to protect any remaining tooth structure from potential damage.
Now that you’ve taken necessary precautions, it’s important to understand why it fell out in the first place to avoid repeat occurrences.
Why Would My Dental Bridge Fall Out?
There are a few reasons your dental bridge might have become displaced:
- Tooth decay. Your dental bridge relies on surrounding teeth to stay in place. If those teeth are decayed, they could deteriorate. The best way to avoid this is to thoroughly brush both your bridge and natural teeth twice daily.
- Worn down supporting teeth (abutments). If the two supporting teeth holding up your dental bridge shorten over time from natural wear and tear, then your dental bridge has nothing to hold onto.
- Irregular bite pattern. A misaligned bite can lead to consistently putting uneven pressure on one side of your mouth or the other. Over a period of time, this can displace your dental gear.
What Can I Do To Avoid It?
Most of these issues can be prevented with a consistent dental routine. Acids and bacteria love to thrive in the spaces between your dental bridge and your gums, which means you’re especially susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay. You can keep your mouth healthy by thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth twice every day. This will keep unwanted germs at bay so there’s less chance for disease to develop.
Finally, keep up with regular dental appointments. You should have at least two routine visits every year so your dentist can examine the condition of your teeth and dental bridge. If they notice signs of underlying gum disease or cavities, they can treat it before your condition worsens.
If your dental bridge has fallen out, it’s imperative to see your dentist. They’ll either repair or replace any damage done so that you can have a full, healthy smile once again!
About the Practice
At Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics, our team works diligently every day to provide you and your family with a full array of dental treatments including restorations and emergency services. If your dental bridge has fallen out, call us first and we’ll provide instructions over the phone for you to follow until you arrive. You’re welcome to contact us on our website or by calling (972) 393-7348.