Dental Bridge Backup: How to Handle a Lost Restoration

Dental bridges are a fantastic way to rebuild your smile because these versatile prosthetics can replace one or several missing teeth at a time. These appliances contain the correct number of pontics (teeth) along with a dental crown at each end that anchors to abutment teeth or dental implants on both sides of the gap in your grin.

Despite its durability, your dental bridge can become destabilized or dislodged, leaving your gums and teeth exposed. Continue reading to learn more about why this sometimes happens and what you should do!

Why Do Dental Bridges Fall Out?

There are several potential reasons you might have lost your prosthetic, including:

• Tooth decay. Your restoration can’t get cavities, but the pearly whites holding it in place can. Your dental bridge has nothing to anchor it if the underlying teeth begin eroding.
• Gum disease. Untreated gum disease can cause your connective tissues to eventually retract from your enamel to escape infection. This leaves your chompers without a firm foundation and can cause them to fall out.
• Bite misalignment. If you suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, the added force on your teeth and jaw can push them out of alignment. Then, when you bite down, you exert uneven pressure on your dental bridge, which can loosen one side or the other.
• Physical trauma. Those who participate in team sports or close-contact activities like martial arts are more likely to sustain a blow to the face that knocks out a tooth or restoration.

What Should I Do if My Dental Bridge Falls Out?

Dental bridges aren’t intended to last forever, so it’s not always urgent if one is lost. However, once it falls out, the large gap in your grin can trap food or other debris. This attracts unhealthy bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease. To make matters worse, you might also injure or harm your exposed gums or abutment teeth without your prosthetics in place.

Whatever the cause behind your lost dental bridge, acting quickly can save your smile. You can help yourself by:

• Calling your dentist. Explain what happened and your provider will schedule an appropriate time for you to come in. They may also provide care instructions over the phone for you to follow until you arrive.
• Picking up the pieces. Gather up any bits of your dental bridge that may have broken during the fall and rinse them under gently running water to remove dirt and debris. Then, store them in a safe place to take to your appointment.
• Try reinserting it. If your restoration is in good condition and your teeth were not harmed, you can try temporarily putting it back in its place with dental wax or denture adhesive until you reach the dentist.

Once you arrive for your visit, your provider will examine your condition and recommend appropriate solutions, like repairing or replacing your dental bridge.   

Meet the Author

Dr. Karen Ho has 20 years of experience helping people build and maintain the healthiest, happiest versions of their smiles. She earned her dental degree at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and is dedicated to honing her skills through Spear Continuing Education and other programs. She’s also a valued member of several prestigious organizations, like the American Dental Association, so you know your grin is in good hands. She proudly provides durable, lifelike replacement teeth, including dental bridges, to protect and restore your smile. You can request an appointment on the website or call (408) 558-9444.