Oh Snap! What to Do When Your Dental Bridge Falls Out

There have been many striking cases of bridges failing throughout history such as London Bridge and Galloping Gertie, but you may be especially perturbed if your dental bridge falls out of your mouth. While these tooth replacement devices are designed to be incredibly lifelike and reliably durable, they do not last forever and can be compromised by age, infection, and injury. Here’s a quick overview of why dental bridges fail and what you should do if your restoration breaks or falls out.

Why Do Dental Bridges Fail?

Dental bridges can fail for a variety of reasons. A few of the most common include:

• Tooth decay: If the teeth supporting a dental bridge become infected, the surfaces the appliance is cemented to may become compromised.
• Gum disease: If your bridge is supported by implants, gum disease can compromise these devices and cause the restoration to come loose and fall out.
• Injuries: The force of a blow to the face or the strain of opening packaging with your teeth can break a dental bridge from its position.
• Age: The cement holding your bridge in place can deteriorate over time, eventually causing the device to fail.

What Should I Do When My Dental Bridge Fails?

The first thing to do when your dental bridge fails is to attempt to locate the appliance and place it in a safe, clean container for transport. Then, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment. While waiting for your appointment, avoid chewing over the area where the bridge was and take over-the-counter pain medication as necessary. If you have oral infections or if your dental implants have been compromised, avoid foods and beverages that are hot, cold, spicy, sugary, or acidic to prevent infection and irritation.

How Can My Dentist Help?

Your dentist can address a broken dental bridge in one of two ways, and the best one depends on the health of your mouth and the condition of your appliance. They may recommend:

• Repairing your bridge: If you have brought your bridge with you and it is still in good shape, your dentist may be able to repair it and fix it back in place.
• Replacing your bridge: If your bridge is lost or beyond repair, it will have to be replaced.

If your bridge failed due to oral injuries or infections, it may be necessary to perform restorative procedures before the appliance can be put in place again.

A failed dental bridge can cause a lot of stress, but it is an issue that your dentist can effectively address. Getting help will allow you to continue enjoying the benefits of a complete smile.

About the Author

Dr. Ronan Freyne earned his dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed an externship at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the Maryland State Dental Association. His office in Chevy Chase offers general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry such as dental bridge services. If your dental bridge has fallen out, dial (301) 986-0700. For more information, contact his office online.