My Dental Bridge Fell Out! What Should I Do?

Losing a tooth no longer means that you need to go the rest of your life without it. There are numerous tooth replacement options out there to fill in gaps in your smile. A common option is a dental bridge. A traditional bridge connects to the natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth and fills in the gap with a replacement tooth. While they are quite durable, it is still possible for them to fall out. Continue reading to learn why your dental bridge may have fallen out and what you should do about it.

Why Did My Dental Bridge Fall Out?

There are several reasons why your dental bridge could have fallen out. Here are some of the most common:

• Tooth decay: One of the most common reasons of a dental bridge failure is tooth decay that affects the supporting teeth. Bridges and crowns cover the majority of the supporting tooth, but they can still be affected by bacteria and experience decay. If you don’t practice excellent oral hygiene, cavities can develop. When left to progress, they can become deeper and ultimately cause your dental bridge to fall out.
• Improper bite: An irregular bite pattern can also cause a dental bridge to fall off. This is because improper bite can cause pressure points across the dental bridge. It could be that the bridge has an area where it is too high on the chewing surface.
• Weak supporting teeth: The supporting teeth, also known as the abutment teeth, must be strong and healthy in order to support a dental bridge. If they don’t have the strength to hold the bridge long-term, it can collapse and fall out. Your abutment teeth could also be too short to provide proper support.

What Should You Do If Your Dental Bridge Falls Out?

If your dental bridge falls out, there is no need for you to panic. After all, it isn’t completely unheard of. Be sure that you save your bridge so it can potentially be repaired and inserted. Give your emergency dentist a call and schedule an urgent dental appointment so the issue can be resolved as soon as possible. When you go in for your appointment, make sure that you bring your bridge with you. During your visit, your dentist will take a look at your abutment teeth as well as the bridge so all repairs and restorations can be made to prevent it from happening again.

If your bridge falls out, don’t fret! Just give your dentist a call. By getting into the dental office as soon as possible, you will have your smile restored in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Dominic G. Carlson earned his dental doctorate at Creighton University. He has undergone training in oral sedation and is currently taking a 300+ hour course on dental implants. To learn more about dental bridges or to schedule an appointment at his office in Bakersfield, visit his website or call (661) 327-7301.