Dental bridges are known as an effective solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring both function and aesthetics to your smile. However, despite their durability, dental bridges are not indestructible. They can break or become damaged over time or due to unavoidable circumstances. If your dental bridge breaks, understanding the steps and seeking timely professional care can help prevent further complications.
This blog will discuss the causes of broken dental bridges, signs to look out for, and the steps you should take to repair a dental bridge.
But first, let us understand a little about dental bridges.
Table of Contents
What are Dental Bridges?
Before getting into the details of dental bridge repair, let us first understand what a dental bridge is and how it works. A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge consists of pontics (artificial teeth) anchored to neighboring natural teeth or dental implants.
Common types of dental bridges include:
- Traditional Bridges: Anchored by crowns on adjacent natural teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges: Supported by a crown on only one side.
- Maryland Bridges: Secured using a metal or porcelain framework connected to the back of adjacent teeth.
How Do Dental Bridges Break?
If dental bridges are so efficient, how can these even break? Well, dental bridges are the same as natural teeth and may get damaged in the same way as natural teeth. So, a dental bridge can also break due to:
- Falls or sudden impacts to the face
- Biting down on substances like nuts, ice, or hard candies
- Grinding your teeth
- Normal wear and tear
- Neglected oral hygiene
Proper oral hygiene and precautions can easily extend the life of a bridge to up to a decade. Hence, it is vital to care for the bridge as you would your natural teeth and visit your dentist frequently, at least twice a year, to resolve any underlying issues.
What are the Signs of a Broken Dental Bridge?
A broken or damaged dental bridge is often easy to identify. Common signs include:
- Pain or discomfort while biting or chewing.
- A visible crack or fracture in the bridge.
- Looseness or wobbling in the bridge.
- A sensation of a gap where the bridge was secured.
- Redness, swelling, or discomfort in the gums near the bridge.
What Immediate Steps Should You Take to Repair a Dental Bridge?
If you notice the above symptoms and your dental bridge is broken, do not make any decision under panic. Instead, follow the simple steps immediately to address the situation:
1. Get a Dental Appointment Immediately
The first thing you should do in such a situation is make a dental appointment immediately. Until you visit the dentist, your goal should be to manage the situation.
rather than act on it impulsively.
2. Collect Broken Pieces
If any part of the dental bridge has broken off, carefully retrieve the pieces and store them in a clean container. This will help your dentist evaluate the situation more accurately.
3. Avoid DIY Repairs
Do not attempt to fix the dental bridge using household adhesives or over-the-counter kits. These can damage the bridge further or introduce harmful chemicals into your mouth.
4. Manage Pain or Discomfort
If the broken bridge is causing pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers as your dentist recommends. Avoid chewing on the affected side to stop further irritation.
5. Stick to Soft Foods
Until you can see your dentist, eat soft foods to minimize pressure on the damaged bridge. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods.
What Happens During a Dental Visit?
When you visit a Brooklyn Park Dental to repair a dental bridge, the process typically involves the following steps:
- Dental Evaluation
Your dentist will assess and evaluate the broken bridge to determine its severity. Then, the dentist may examine the underlying teeth and gums for any other issues.
- Discussion
Based on your evaluation, the dentist will discuss options for replacing or repairing the dental bridge. These may include repairing the existing bridge, creating a new bridge, or switching to another option, such as a dental implant.
- Treatment Plan
Once a decision is made, the dentist will create a personalized plan per your needs and preferences. At this stage, you can also discuss any questions or concerns that you may have.
Takeaway
A broken dental bridge can instantly make you panic due to the pain and discomfort. If your dental bridge breaks, you must consult a dentist immediately, and you should not try to repair a dental bridge with DIY kits. A dentist can help identify the issue and provide available options to treat the condition.
Get Your Dental Bridge Repaired at Brooklyn Blvd Dental!
At Brooklyn Blvd Dental, our experienced team specializes in repairing and replacing dental bridges with precision and care.
Contact us today at (763) 533-8669 or schedule an appointment.
You can directly visit us at 5831 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN.
