Dental bridges are great solutions for a wide range of oral health problems. When you care for a bridge correctly, it can last for decades without needing replacement or repair. However, if you sustain an accident that causes damage to your bridge or a dental health problem develops, it’s vital to get attention from our cosmetic dentists in Surrey. The sooner we can address your issue, the less likely you will incur the cost and inconvenience of replacing your broken dental bridge.
How Dental Bridges Get Damaged
Damage to dental bridges can happen in various ways. The most common is from a sudden impact to the mouth, whether accidental or not. A strong enough blow can cause a dental bridge to crack, break, loosen, or even get completely dislodged. Lesser impacts can also do damage if they happen often enough, and direct pressure applied regularly or continuously can result in the loosening of the bridge.
The Role of Oral Hygiene
In addition to impact, tooth decay can also cause a damaged, loose, or broken dental bridge. If any form of decay develops on the teeth supporting the bridge, they can weaken and cause the bridge to be compromised. Poor oral hygiene causes bacteria to build up on the teeth and speed up the pace of decay, which could cause the bridge to come loose or get lost. The urgency of this situation depends on how badly your bridge is damaged and whether this is affecting your ability to speak or chew. Even if the issue doesn’t seem urgent, don’t waste time getting help or you could develop long-term problems.
How to Handle a Broken Dental Bridge
Once you determine that you have broken a dental bridge, immediately avoid putting any pressure on it or chewing in that part of your mouth. Take a look in the mirror to see if you can determine how bad the damage is. Feel around carefully with your finger for any looseness or pain. If possible, make notes about what you were doing, how the injury happened, and when you first noticed something was wrong. Check for cracks, chips, or missing bridge tooth or framework pieces. If you find any loose pieces, store them safely until you can get to the dentist because they may provide clues as to how the damage occurred.
Getting a Broken Dental Bridge Restored
During your visit, our dental team will recommend the best course of action for you based on the damage to the bridge and the state of your mouth. In cases where the bridge has been lost completely, you’ll have no choice but to have it replaced. However, if the break is limited to a simple crack or chip, our dentists in Surrey BC might be able to repair it using dental bonding material. If the bridge has been dislodged but you have kept it, we might be able to cement it back into position if the supporting teeth are still in good condition.
Preventing a Broken Dental Bridge
Although most broken bridges happen during an accident, there are some things you can do to protect your bridgework. In addition to following a daily oral hygiene regimen, schedule regular bi-annual dental exams and cleanings to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. If you participate in sports, make a point of wearing a sports mouthguard to protect yourself from injuries, and if you suspect you’re grinding your teeth at night, discuss this with your dentist. Don’t wait until you need a full mouth reconstruction to pay attention to your dental issues.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our qualified and experienced cosmetic dentists in Surrey BC. We look forward to talking with you about your dental bridge requirements.