Dental bridges are remarkable prosthetic devices that are frequently used to replace one or several sequential teeth, and they can be great ways to keep your smile complete and functional for up to fifteen years before needing replacement. You should never be able to remove your bridge without the help of a qualified dentist, so you’ll need to make an appointment if your appliance is dislodged or falls out of your mouth. Here’s a quick guide to how your dentist can fix a loose dental bridge.
Why Do Dental Bridges Fall Out?
Dental bridges are designed to remain fixed in their positions until removed by an appropriate professional, but these devices can come loose due to oral infections or injuries. For example, a person’s bridge may be knocked out due to a fall or a blow to the face. In another case, a bridge may come loose due to the decay of the teeth supporting it. The best ways to prevent these problems are smart eating decisions, proper oral hygiene, and wearing an athletic mouthguard when playing sports.
How Can My Dentist Help?
If your dental bridge is loose or knocked out, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment for repairs. If the bridge is damaged, it will probably need replacement. If the bridge and the teeth that were supporting it are still in good shape, your oral health professional may simply have to recement the device in place, make sure it is properly aligned, and send you on your way. However, the supporting teeth may require restorative treatment if they are injured or decayed.
If a tooth is too badly damaged, it may have to be extracted. In this case, your dentist will be happy to discuss replacing it with a new restoration.
Can Dental Implants Hold My Bridge More Securely?
Dental implants can anchor your bridge to your jaw using titanium posts designed to fuse with your bone structure, and they can be placed through a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is completely painless. This will give your bridge the stable foundation it needs to behave exactly like real teeth and deliver maximum chewing power. To make things even better, implant bridges do not require the alteration of healthy enamel like traditional appliances do.
Dental bridges that receive excellent care can last for more than fifteen years with excellent care. Your dentist will be happy to help if your device needs to be fixed or replaced.
About the Author
Dr. William Ross earned his dental degree at the Medical University of South Carolina and completed a two-year general practice residency at North Carolina Baptist Hospital. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Rock Hill offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental bridge services. If your dental bridge isn’t fitting well, contact his office online or dial (803) 324-5301.