Why Your Dental Bridge Is Falling Off, And Remedy
Posted on: 22 July 2019
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If your dental bridge falls off, you need to act first to prevent dental complications. Below is an overview of why dental bridges fall off, and what you should do in case yours falls off.
Why Dental Bridges Fall Off
A fallen dental bridge exposes your tooth to a high risk of infection and damage. Your dental bridge is unlikely to fall off, but if it does, it's likely to be because of these two reasons.
Dental Decay
Dental decay is one of the primary causes of loose dental bridges. Note that your tooth might decay even if it was structurally sound at the time it was fitted with the dental bridge. The decay occurs since the bridge might not cover up the whole tooth structure. Bacteria can then migrate to the tooth and cause decay, which deteriorates the tooth and affects the bridge's fit. The risk of this happening is even greater if you don't brush and floss your teeth daily.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion (dental misalignment) is another reason your dental bridge might fall off. If your teeth are not properly aligned, some surfaces of your dental bridge might feel more pressure than others. The uneven pressure can dislodge the bridge and cause it to fall off.
The Solution
All isn't lost if you have lost your dental bridge; below are the measures you can take to mitigate the damage.
Reattach the Bridge Temporarily
If the dental bridge is not damaged, but just fell off because it was loose, then you should reattach it temporarily until you can see the dentist. This will help protect the affected tooth, keep the bridge safe and clean, and allow the dentist to retreat your tooth. Just buy temporary denture adhesive from the nearest drug store and use it to cement the bridge back in place.
Remember to clean your mouth and the bridge before reattaching it. Don't forget that this is just a temporary measure, and you still need to see your dentist.
Favor the Affected Area
Whether you manage to reattach the bridge or not, you should favor that side of your jaw until the dentist gives you a permanent solution. This is necessary because your tooth will be weaker than it usually is, and using it to chew things as usual might cause further damage.
See Emergency Dentist
You shouldn't wait too long to see a dentist if your dental bridge falls off. The longer you wait, the higher the chances that further damage might occur to the affected tooth. Ideally, you should see a dentist on the same day the bridge falls off. The dentist will evaluate the damage to confirm whether they can reattach the bridge permanently or you need alternative treatment.