Why Did Your Dental Bridge Fall Out?

It’s easy to take for granted having a fully functioning set of pearly whites. Every day, you can easily eat, drink, talk, and laugh with a complete smile. However, if your dental bridge suddenly falls out, it can cause some panic. You have loved how it restored your missing teeth and confidence. However, there is no need to worry. Read on to learn the possible reasons your dental bridge came out and your next steps to fix your smile.

What Can Cause a Dental Bridge to Fall Out?

There are several different factors that can cause a dental bridge to come out of your mouth. The following are a few common reasons for the instability of your restoration:

• Tooth decay: If tooth decay has formed under or around the bridge, it can cause it to come out more easily. Bacteria, acid, and even food debris can begin to collect in exposed surfaces between the bridge and gum lines. These microorganisms can eventually cause the underlying tooth to decay, loosening your dental bridge.
• Irregular bite pattern: A strong bite pattern occurs when teeth naturally meet in an efficient alignment while chewing and don’t cause any undue stress on the teeth or jaw. Unfortunately, if a piece of the bridge is too high or too low, excessive pressure will be placed on certain parts of your teeth, causing the bridge to weaken and loosen.
• Abutment teeth are short, weak, or damaged: The natural teeth that connect the bridge are called the abutment teeth. They must remain healthy and strong for the bridge to be held securely in place. If your abutment teeth are weak or too short, the bridge will not stay in place in the long run.

Your Next Steps to Restore Your Smile

It can be easy to panic when you have an unexpected dental event like a bridge falling out. The good news is that is a perfectly solvable situation. After taking a deep breath, here are the next steps to take:

• Place your dental bridge in a storage case or plastic bag to keep it safe and clean. This ensures you will have it ready to give to your dentist so they can have it for potential repairs and re-insertion.
• Call your dentist as soon as possible and explain your situation.
•  Your dental team will schedule a time for you to come in for treatment and give you instructions on what to do in the meantime.
• Avoid chewing on the side of the affected mouth until your dental appointment.
• Steer clear of eating or drinking foods and beverages that are extremely hot or cold as this can cause tooth sensitivity.

Dental bridges are excellent tooth loss solutions, but sometimes unexpected issues can occur with them. By understanding the reason it fell out and what to do next, your smile is sure to return to being whole and happy as soon as possible!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Oshins keeps the smiles of Schenectady whole, healthy, and beautiful. He earned his dental degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and was one of two students selected across the U.S. for an internship working under the most prestigious dentists in the Federal Government. With the use of advanced dental technology and customized care, he can restore your teeth with various restorative options, including dental bridges. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (518) 356-5635.

---