What to Do If Your Dental Bridge Falls Out

1. Stay Calm and Retrieve the Bridge

The first step? Take a deep breath. It’s easy to get flustered, especially if the bridge comes loose while you’re eating or speaking. Keeping calm lets you think straight and respond wisely.

What to do next:

• Gently remove the bridge from your mouth if it hasn’t already fallen out completely.
• Rinse it with lukewarm water—not hot—so you don’t warp the material.
• Do not use soap, toothpaste, or disinfectant. Just water is enough.
• Place it in a small, clean container. A hard case or a zip-top bag with a moist paper towel works well.

2. Do Not Attempt to Reattach It Yourself

No matter how tempting it may be, don’t try to glue it back in place. Your mouth is sensitive, and using anything not designed for dental use can cause serious problems.

Avoid doing this:

• Using over-the-counter adhesives
• Forcing the bridge onto abutment teeth
• Biting down to “lock it in”

DIY fixes might feel like a time-saver, but they can do more harm than good. You could damage the remaining tooth structure or trap bacteria that cause decay.

If you’re in public, discreetly remove the bridge and tuck it away safely. If you’re at home, protect the site and make the call to a dentist near you right away.

3. Call Your Dentist Immediately

Your next move should be picking up the phone. Even if there’s no pain, an exposed site can quickly lead to discomfort or infection. Many practices leave slots open for emergencies like this.

When you call, be sure to:

• Tell them when and how the bridge fell out
• Mention if you’re experiencing pain, bleeding, or swelling
• Bring the bridge to your appointment
• Ask if you need to avoid any foods or medications before your visit

Prompt care can often mean re-cementing the dental bridge near you the same day. Waiting could mean needing a new one.

4. Protect the Exposed Teeth or Gums

Without your bridge, your natural teeth and gums lose their cover. That leaves them vulnerable to food particles, sensitivity, and even minor trauma.

Here’s how to protect the site temporarily:

• Use orthodontic wax or sugar-free chewing gum to lightly cover any sharp edges
• Rinse gently with warm saltwater to keep the area clean
• Pass on piping-hot, chilled, or peppery items that might irritate the tooth.
• Choose gentle textures such as oatmeal, fluffy eggs, and pasta.

Whatever you do, don’t poke at the exposed area with your tongue or fingers—it only increases irritation.

5. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions

Your dentist in Boynton Beach, FL, will either reattach the original bridge or prepare you for a replacement. What happens next depends on why the bridge fell out and how much damage is present.

Expect recommendations like:

• Eating soft foods for a few days
• Avoiding the area while brushing
• Using special rinses or prescription medications
• Coming in for a follow-up if additional treatment is needed

Don’t shrug off aftercare advice. It’s designed to help the bridge stay secure and protect the underlying teeth and gums.

6. Understand Why the Bridge Fell Out

Figuring out the reason your bridge failed is just as important as fixing it. Sometimes it’s a simple issue. Other times, it could be a red flag that something more serious is going on underneath.

Common causes include:

• A breakdown of the cement used to secure the bridge
• Tooth decay under the crown or abutment
• Trauma, like biting into something hard or grinding your teeth
• Wear and tear over time

Discuss the cause with your dentist. You’ll want to fix the root issue to prevent future setbacks.

7. Prevent Future Bridge Failures

Let’s talk prevention. You don’t want to go through this again, right? Here are smart steps you can start now:

Everyday care tips:

• Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
• Thread floss beneath the bridge with a floss threader, or flush the area using a water flosser
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash
• Avoid chewy, sticky foods like taffy or caramel
• Say no to chewing on ice or pens

Routine care matters. Don’t skip dental checkups. At each visit, your provider can inspect your bridge, catch early signs of trouble, and help you make it last longer.

Final Thoughts

Losing a bridge can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Stay calm, store the bridge safely, and reach out to your dental provider. With the right steps and professional care, you’ll be back to normal faster than you think. Call Quantum Dental today to schedule an emergency appointment or ask how to care for your dental bridge the right way.