Your dental bridge was designed to stay in place in your mouth for up to ten years with proper care and maintenance. But sometimes accidents happen, and restorations like bridges can fall out prematurely. Thankfully, if they’re still in good shape they can sometimes be reattached, but in other cases, they may need to be replaced. If your bridge falls out, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do to protect your teeth and keep your prosthetic safe until it can be evaluated by your dentist.
Step One: Call Your Dentist
The first thing you should do if your dental bridge falls out is contact your dentist for further instructions. You will likely need to go in for an emergency appointment, but depending on the circumstances, you may not need to do it immediately. Calling instead of emailing helps your dental team better understand the situation so they can schedule your appointment in a timely manner and ensure that your teeth are not put at further risk.
Step Two: Save Your Bridge
Whether your bridge is in multiple pieces or still whole, save all parts and bring them with you to the dentist. In some cases, they can be repaired or reused, while others may require a new prosthetic to be crafted. Either way, saving any parts can help your dentist make that determination at your visit.
Step Three: Try Putting Your Bridge Back In
If your bridge is still in one piece, you may be able to temporarily reattach it until your dentist can see you. First, brush your teeth thoroughly. Then, clean your bridge with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If your abutment teeth are still strong and secure, try placing the bridge back in your mouth and see if it stays in place, but don’t force it. If it fits well, there’s a good chance it can be reattached, but if not, your dentist will provide solutions during your appointment.
Step Four: Temporarily Reattach Your Bridge
If your bridge still fits well without forcing it, you can temporarily hold it in place with the help of dental cement available at many pharmacies. Please note that this type of product is not designed to hold your restorations in place for long, so don’t use them in lieu of a visit to your dentist. At your appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary cement and if your teeth and restoration are in good condition, they can reattach the bridge with stronger, more permanent cement.
Step Five: Keep it Up
Once your dentist has reattached or replaced your dental bridge, it is important to keep up with regular oral health care, including your biannual exam and cleaning appointments with your dentist. These can help keep an eye on all aspects of your oral health, including the condition of your bridge.
Remember, if you lose a bridge, don’t panic. Your dentist can help you either reattach it or customize a new one to replace it if there is too much damage to your original. If your teeth are too damaged to reattach a bridge, he can also help provide treatment options to help replace them, so you can get your smile back and once again enjoy all the benefits of a full arch of teeth!
About Dr. Jordan
Dr. Jordan prides himself on providing comfortable and affordable oral health care that meets all their unique needs. If you have trouble with a previously installed dental bridge, or if you’re interested in having a new one customized, please schedule a consultation at Flower Dental today by visiting our website or calling us at 972-306-2273.