Dental bridges are resilient restorations intended to rebuild 1 to 4 consecutively missing teeth. They are usually made from tooth-colored ceramic that can be crafted to match the size, shape, and shade of your natural enamel for beautiful results intended to last.
But that doesn’t mean these replacement teeth are invincible. For instance, they can become destabilized or dislodged if you neglect dental hygiene, sustain an injury, or if they are older and worn down. If you’ve just realized yours has fallen out, continue reading to learn about 4 steps to take to get help as quickly as possible!
Step #1: Find the Bridge
A lost dental bridge might not seem like a dental emergency, but the underlying abutment teeth, gum tissues, and dental implants are prone to developing disease or decay or being damaged the longer you go without a prosthetic in place. Depending on what happened and the condition of your restoration, there’s a chance that your dentist can cement it back in place without too much trouble.
That means one of the first things to do if you’ve just lost your replacement teeth is to try to locate them. Keep in mind that there might be pieces in your mouth, so take care not to swallow them.
Step #2: Clean Your Mouth
Next, if you were injured, you may want to take a few minutes to gently rinse your mouth with water. This helps remove contaminants, such as dirt, blood, or other debris, that can contribute to common oral issues, including cavities, periodontal disease, or infections.
You can also rinse your prosthetic under gently running tap water once you’ve found it to help sanitize it.
Step #3: Try to Replace the Bridge
You’re not alone if you’re wondering whether it’s possible to safely put your bridge back in place long enough to get to your dentist’s office, but the answer can depend on your circumstances.
You might be able to place it back over the abutment teeth or implants positioned on either side of the space in your smile with temporary dental cement, if you have some. Otherwise, you can prevent further harm by storing it safely somewhere you’ll remember to bring it with you when it’s time to leave for your dental appointment.
Step #4: Contact Your Dentist
Finally, if you haven’t already done so, it’s time to contact your dentist. Many providers offer same-day visits for dental emergencies, so patients don’t have to wait long to be seen if they’ve had an urgent issue, such as a lost dental bridge.
Your dental team may provide additional care instructions over the phone for you to follow until you arrive, such as avoiding biting or chewing with that side of your mouth, to help protect your smile until they can repair or replace your restoration.
About the Practice
Patients with Westchester Gentle Dentistry benefit from a team of dentists who are passionate about helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Alidadi, Dr. Pellegrini, and Dr. Gutierrez share decades of combined experience, and today, they combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to provide a complete menu of services under one roof, including lifelike dental bridges. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (914) 289-0672.
