Dental bridges can be a beautiful and effective way to rebuild your smile. These resilient restorations are usually made from durable porcelain that resists chips, cracks, and stains, and can often last 5 to 15+ years with proper care.
But they’re not invincible! For instance, if the underlying teeth or gums develop disease or decay, your prosthetics could fail. This isn’t always an emergency, but the longer you wait to repair or replace your dental bridge, the more likely you are to develop additional damage or other concerns. Continue reading to learn more about handling a lost dental bridge!
Step #1: Find the Pieces
If you took a blow to the face during a high-contact sports activity or bit into something too hard and broke your dental bridge, it might have shattered into pieces. Do your best to locate your prosthetic and any large pieces, because they can help your dentist assess the situation and choose the right treatment. But remember, some debris might still be in your mouth, so be careful when swallowing.
If your dental bridge is still intact and relatively unharmed, your provider may be able to cement it back in place so you don’t need a new one.
Step #2: Rinse it Off
Then, you can rinse your bridge and/or its pieces to remove blood, dirt, or other debris. You can also clean your mouth out gently with water to help prevent the risk of infection or other concerns while waiting for your scheduled dental appointment.
Step #3: Try to Reinsert It Safely
Depending on the condition of your restoration, there’s a chance you can put it back in its place. First, be sure to clean it gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear dish soap to prevent any introducing new germs to your mouth that may be clinging to its surfaces.
Then, check the condition of the underlying abutment teeth or dental implants in a mirror to ensure there are no jagged edges of enamel or other injuries that might be negatively affected by replacing your dental bridge. If everything looks okay, you can position it gently in your mouth where it belongs to preserve it until you arrive at the dentist’s office.
Step #4: Contact Your Dentist
Finally, if you haven’t already done so, take a few moments to contact your dentist. Let them know what happened, and they’ll schedule an appropriate time to see you. They might also provide additional instructions over the phone, such as avoiding biting or chewing with the broken bridge, for you to follow.
When you arrive for your appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and dental bridge and create a customized treatment plan to repair or replace it and restore a more beautiful, functional smile.
About the Practice
Patients at Davis, Boeller, & Rife benefit from a team of dentists eager to help people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They share decades of combined experience so you can trust that you’re in skilled hands, and today, they collaborate to provide a complete menu of services, including placing lifelike dental bridges. If you have a lost or damaged restoration and need help, you can request an appointment no the website or call (941) 300-6655.