While bridges falling may be fun to sing about in childhood songs like “London Bridge,” when it comes to a failing dental bridge, the situation is not exactly pleasant. The good news, however, is that it’s also no reason to panic. Here’s a closer look at what you should do if your restoration breaks or comes out, and how your dentist can help!
Why Do Dental Bridges Fail?
Although they weren’t designed to last forever, the average lifespan of a dental bridge is between five and 15 years. There are many reasons that your dental bridge can fail. Whether it’s broken due to excessive pressure, or the cement that holds it in in place in your arches erodes and the restoration comes loose, it can be quite alarming, and make eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably extremely difficult.
What Should I Do if I Lose My Dental Bridge?
The exact treatment for your failed bridge will depend on why it has stopped working in the first place. If it has broken and the pieces have come out, gather them together, rinse them off, and contact your dentist for an urgent appointment. If the bridge cannot be repaired, you will likely need to have a new one created.
If the bridge itself is intact but has fallen off, clean it well, and then clean your teeth and gums. You can often reattach the bridge with a temporary dental adhesive available at most pharmacies and online. You can also use dental wax or sugarless chewing gum until your dental appointment. It is important that you do not attempt to use any other products for this, such as household adhesives, as this can damage your teeth and your restoration.
Once your mouth is safe, call your dentist as soon as possible and schedule an urgent appointment. Although your mouth may still be in good health, leaving your abutment teeth exposed to oral bacteria and food will increase your risk for cavities, infection, and breakage from chewing. While you wait to see the dentist, be sure to chew on the opposite side of the mouth as the failed restoration and maintain excellent oral hygiene in between meals.
Remember, a failed dental bridge may not seem like an urgent problem, but when your restoration breaks or comes loose, it can leave your teeth exposed to harmful bacteria and vulnerable to damage while eating. Thus, don’t wait long to get help. Follow the steps above and contact your dentist as soon as possible for an emergency appointment to re-secure your restoration and bring back your healthy, beautiful smile.
About Our Practice
At Athens Dental Associates, we want you to have a happy, healthy, complete smile. If your dental bridge has ‘fallen down’, it’s “fair” to say you should have it repaired or replaced to protect your gorgeous grin. For an urgent appointment, call us today at 706-549-1370, or visit our website.