A dental bridge is a restoration that’s used to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. they can be anchored in place but abutment teeth, which are located on either side of the gap, or by dental implants. Though they last 15 years on average, there are several reasons why your dental bridge might fall out. Read on to learn five potential reasons why your dental bridge fell out and what to do about it.
3 Potential Reasons Why Your Bridge Fell Out
As durable as dental bridges are, some things that may cause them to fall out include:
- Tooth decay – If one of your abutment teeth is severely decayed, this may be the reason why your dental bridge fell out.
- Gum disease – This infection of the gums is often caused by improper brushing and flossing. If it develops far enough, it may result in dental bridge failure.
- Irregular bite pattern – Though a skilled dentist will be able to prevent this issue, a component of your dental bridge being too high or low on the chewing surface can result in an irregular bite pattern. This causes pressure to be distributed unevenly, which may make your bridge loosen over time and eventually completely detach from your teeth.
What to Do If Your Dental Bridge Fell Out
Though losing a dental bridge is never fun, there are some steps you should follow if this ever happens to you, including:
- Step #1: Stay calm – Losing a dental restoration may make you want to panic but it’s important to stay calm and take some deep breaths.
- Step #2: Call your dentist – Once you’ve been able to calm yourself down, call your dentist and explain what happened. They will be able to guide you through what to do next. If the incident occurs outside of normal business hours, listen to their voicemail as it may offer instructions.
- Step #3: Keep it safe – Place your dental bridge in a plastic sandwich bag or a storage container to keep it safe from harm until you’re able to get in to see your dentist.
- Step #4: Be careful – Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where your dental bridge fell out and avoid eating or drinking anything too hot or cold to lessen sensitivity.
Though losing your dental bridge is a stressful situation, accidents happen. Be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible so they can repair the damage and get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
In need of a talented dentist? Look no further than Dr. John White and his highly-skilled team of Ashville oral health professionals. They offer a range of services to help keep your smile looking lovely. Additionally, if you recently lost a dental bridge, they can repair it so you can once again enjoy a healthy grin. For more information on what to do if your dental bridge fell out or to set up an appointment, call the dental office of Dr. John White at (828) 826-2561 or visit his website.