If you have a dental bridge, you know it’s supposed to be permanent. The device should stay secure and stable thanks to abutment teeth and dental crowns (or implants). That said, you should still learn what to do if it falls out; such details could save your oral health. The good news is your Las Cruces dentist will share the relevant knowledge. So, here’s a primer on what to do if your dental bridge ever falls from your mouth.
What Causes a Dental Bridge to Fall Out?
While a dental bridge is meant to hold steady, various factors could make it fall out. These include:
- Tooth Decay – Plaque buildup could cause a bridge’s support teeth to decay. In that case, the abutments can’t hold the restoration in place.
- An Improper Bite – An irregular bite (due to misalignment, TMJ, etc.) could put excess pressure on parts of your dental bridge, damaging or even dislodging it.
- A Dental Injury/Accident – A blow to your mouth (from a fall, collision, etc.) may knock your dental bridge out.
You can manage the factors above with regular dental checkups. Attending such appointments stops oral issues from threatening your dental bridge.
Why is a Fallen Dental Bridge a Big Deal?
A fallen dental bridge may seem harmless, but it’s actually a serious matter. Failing to get it treated would put your body’s health at risk.
When a dental bridge falls from your mouth, the resulting smile gap has various adverse effects. It’ll let harmful bacteria breed and tilt your surrounding teeth if left unchecked. Perhaps worse yet, the gap will make you struggle to eat and speak properly. You could then suffer declines in your nutritional and mental health.
You’ll need professional help to avoid such outcomes. After all, you can’t fix a fallen dental bridge by yourself.
How to Respond to Your Fallen Bridge
You should call your dentist if your dental bridge falls out. Making (and attending) a repair appointment with them will put you on the path to recovery.
With that said, you can take steps to manage the problem before your visit. The first is to find your dental bridge (or pieces of it), avoiding loss and further damage. If the bridge came out in one piece, you could then disinfect it and try to reinsert it temporarily. Your other option is to fill your smile’s gap with a denture adhesive or a similar product.
It isn’t often that a dental bridge falls out, but it never hurts to prepare. Remember the points above in case the worst should happen!
About the Practice
Painted Skies Dental Center is based in Las Cruces, NM. Led by Drs. Natalie and Ramon Ortiz, our practice looks at your teeth and gums in relation to your total body health. That means our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments aren’t just good for grins; they help your whole self! A trip to our office will make your smile thrive in ways that boost your quality of life. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (575)-521-8720.