Key Takeaways
- A dental bridge falling out is an urgent issue that should be addressed quickly to help prevent infection, decay, pain, and further tooth damage.
- If your dental bridge falls out, locate the bridge, call your dentist right away, keep the area clean, and avoid chewing on the exposed teeth.
- The most common causes of dental bridge failure include poor oral hygiene, inadequate support, uneven bite pressure, weak jawbone density, and low-quality dental work.
- Temporary tooth cement can serve as a short-term solution to help protect exposed teeth while you wait for your dental appointment.
A dental bridge falling out may not be considered a dental emergency, but it is an urgent matter that requires swift care to mitigate any further risks or damage to your teeth. At Dental Brothers, we are proud to be one of the top providers for comprehensive dentistry, including bridge placements and replacements. We also offer emergency dentistry in Mesa: if you are dealing with a failed bridge and need urgent dental care, contact the team at Dental Brothers to get started with an appointment.
Immediate Actions To Take When Your Dental Bridge Falls Out
A dental bridge is designed to be a long-term solution for tooth loss, but in some cases, it can fail and fall out. If your dental bridge falls out, there are a few steps you can take to avoid any further damage to your teeth.
Locate the Bridge
The first thing you should do, if possible, is locate the bridge and carefully place it in a safe spot. In some cases, when you return to the dentist, they can place the bridge back in your mouth, so bringing it to your appointment can be helpful.
Call Your Dentist
Call your Mesa, AZ dentist so you can schedule an appointment for a bridge replacement ASAP. While it’s not considered a dental emergency, it’s important to try and get an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Keep the Area Clean
Once you’ve scheduled an appointment with your dentist and located the bridge, it’s important to wash your mouth and keep the area clean. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to gently remove any dirt or bacteria. Be very careful when brushing to avoid being too rough with the sensitive area.
Avoid Using the Area
Avoid using the exposed area for eating, and in general try to avoid eating or drinking anything too hot, cold, or acidic. Try to eat soft meals and chew on the other side of your mouth as much as possible.
Use Temporary Tooth Cement
Temporary tooth cement can be a viable stand-in as you wait for a dental appointment. Once you’ve cleaned your mouth and the dental bridge thoroughly, you can gently place the bridge back in place to protect the exposed teeth. This is a short-term solution while you wait for your dental appointment.
Why a Dental Bridge Falling out Is Urgent
A dental bridge falling out is an urgent issue because it leaves the underlying teeth exposed to infection and also exposes the supporting teeth to damage and decay. A lost dental bridge can lead to further tooth loss, pain, and bacterial buildup when left untreated. Delaying replacement can lead to difficulties, which is why it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Contact a Mesa Emergency Dentist If Your Dental Bridge Has Fallen Out
If your dental bridge has failed, it’s essential to take swift action to protect your teeth and maintain your smile. The team at Dental Brothers offers comprehensive dental care, including emergency dental work, to the Mesa community. Contact Dental Brothers to get started with an appointment.
Dental Bridge Falling Out FAQs
What’s the Life Expectancy of a Dental Bridge?
A fixed dental bridge has a lifespan of 5 to 15 years, while an implant-supported bridge has a lifespan of 30 years or more. A fixed dental bridge is a traditional bridge that relies on a row of replacement teeth that are attached to dental crowns, which are bonded to healthy support teeth on either side of the gap. An implant-supported bridge is when one or two dental implants are placed in the jawbone to mimic tooth roots and are then used to support a bridge. The life expectancy of your dental bridge depends on the quality of the dental work you received and how well you keep up with your oral hygiene. Regularly flossing and brushing your teeth can make a big difference in the lifespan of a dental bridge.
Is It Common for Dental Bridges To Fall Out?
It is not necessarily common for dental bridges to fall out, but it does happen. With proper materials and support, a dental bridge is meant to last upwards of ten years in your mouth. While it does happen, a dental bridge falling out is still an urgent matter, and you should locate the bridge, clean the bridge, and seek dental care as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to the tooth.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Bridge Failure?
A dental bridge is made using high-quality materials that will ideally last for a decade or more. But it is possible for dental bridges to fail. The most common cause of dental bridge failure is poor hygiene, like not brushing regularly or thoroughly enough or not flossing, which can damage the teeth around the bridge, which are supporting it. Other common causes of failure include inadequate support, when there is an uneven distribution of weight on the supporting teeth around the bridge; a poor choice of material, which can occur if you are working with an inexperienced dental provider; or not enough bone support, which can occur if the density in your jawbone is not strong enough to support a bridge.