“The bridge is out! The bridge is out!”
To many people, that is a quote by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character in the 1994 summer blockbuster True Lies. However, if the bridge is out in your real life, it could very well be in reference to a dental emergency!
A dental bridge connects to your natural teeth on both sides – filling in the gap with custom-fitted false teeth. They are strong, reliable, and look very natural in most cases. Dental bridges have been utilized for more than a century but are still a viable option today.
Read on to learn the potential reasons your dental bridge fell out, as well as what you should do. Making a dental appointment is the first, but not the only, step.
Considering the Reasons Why Your Dental Bridge Fell Out
Here are several of the most common reasons your bridge did not remain in place:
- Tooth decay: It may have formed under or around the bridge. There is still quite a bit of exposed tooth surface even if you have a bridge, which allows bacteria, acid, and bits of food to get stuck. Your remaining natural teeth and your bridge need to be adequately cleaned every day.
- Abutment teeth are too short, weak, or become damaged: The structure of your teeth could change after your bridge has been inserted into place. Maybe the abutment teeth do not have the strength to hold the bridge long-term, or perhaps they are too short to provide adequate support. One other possibility is that one of your abutment teeth could break.
- Irregular bite pattern: Your dentist can adjust the bridge if it is out of place, so it is not being stressed. If you feel abnormal pressure when chewing, you should see your dentist. If the bridge is too high or too low, excessive pressure every time you chew can cause it to loosen.
What Should You Do When Your Bridge Falls Out?
If your bridge falls out, call your dentist as soon as possible to get the first-available appointment. You’ll want to save the bridge so it can be repaired and reinserted, so put it in a zipper storage bag.
If the dentist can repair your bridge, they can bond it back into position. They will check the structure of your abutment teeth to make sure they aren’t damaged. If they are damaged or you have cavities, your teeth will need to be repaired before the bridge is bonded again.
Once repairs are done to the bridge and/or your abutment teeth and the bridge is bonded back into position, you will be able to eat, chew, and enjoy life as usual! If the dentist deems your abutment teeth too unstable or weak to continue supporting your bridge, they will reevaluate your case and recommend another type of tooth replacement procedure.
It is important to understand why your dental bridge fell out and what you need to do if it happens, but the most important thing to remember is to call your dentist as soon as possible.
About the Practice
At Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry in Las Vegas, we offer customized dental treatment with a priority on patient comfort. Dr. West is a sleep and TMD/neuromuscular dentist, while Dr. Farnoush is a family, restorative, and cosmetic dentist. From chilled spring water to Netflix movies to cozy blankets and more, they want to ensure you are pampered as you receive the highest-quality dental care. They both have memberships with the American Dental Association. To schedule an appointment for a bridge or one of the many other dental services they offer, visit our website or call (702) 844-6224.