What to Do If Your Dental Bridge Breaks: A Step-by-Step Guide

A dental bridge is a key solution for replacing missing teeth and maintaining your ability to chew and speak normally. But sometimes, dental bridges can break unexpectedly, leading to discomfort and concern. If you’re wondering what to do if your dental bridge breaks, don’t panic. This guide will show you exactly what to do, step by step, to manage the situation safely and effectively.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

When your dental bridge breaks, the first thing you need to do is relax. Yes, it’s frustrating, but this can be fixed.
Here’s what to do:

1. Breathe – Don’t let panic take over. Staying calm will help you think clearly.
2. Check for pain – Are you feeling pain or just discomfort? Not all broken bridges cause pain.
3. Look in the mirror – Take a quick look at the damage. Is the bridge loose, cracked, or completely out?
4. Feel the area gently – Use your tongue or fingers to carefully feel if any sharp edges are exposed.
5. Identify if it’s an emergency – If you’re in severe pain, bleeding, or notice swelling, call your dentist right away. If it’s just a broken bridge without any of these symptoms, you still need to act but can follow the next steps.

Remove Any Loose Pieces Carefully

Broken dental bridges can sometimes leave loose pieces in your mouth, which need to be handled properly.
Follow these tips:

1. Check for loose parts – If there’s a piece of the bridge hanging or floating, be gentle.
2. Remove loose pieces carefully – If possible, use your fingers or tweezers to remove the loose part without applying force.
3. Avoid swallowing – Try not to swallow any pieces. It can be hard, but be cautious.
4. Place the piece in a safe spot – Store it in a clean container and bring to your dentist.
5. Don’t attempt DIY fixes – Avoid using glue or any other quick-fix products to try to reattach the piece. It might cause more harm.

Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side

To prevent further damage, you’ll want to protect the area where the bridge broke.
Here’s how:

1. Stop chewing on that side – Avoid chewing food or applying pressure to the broken side.
2. Stick to soft foods – If you need to eat, stick to soft foods like yogurt, veggie soup, or mashed potatoes to avoid damaging your teeth further.
3. No hard or sticky foods – Avoid items that might aggravate the condition, such as nuts, caramel, or crusty bread, because of their hardness or stickiness.
4. Monitor for sensitivity – If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold, avoid extreme temperatures in food and drinks until you see your dentist.
5. Drink through a straw – If sipping feels painful, try using a straw to bypass the broken area.

Keep the Area Clean

Maintaining oral hygiene is critical, especially when your bridge is broken.
Use these steps to keep the area clean:

1. Rinse with warm water – Use warm water to gently rinse your mouth. This helps clean the area without aggravating the damage.
2. Add salt to the water – A saltwater rinse can help reduce bacteria and keep the exposed area clean.
3. Brush carefully – Continue brushing your teeth, but be extremely gentle around the broken bridge. Avoid scrubbing too hard.
4. Use mouthwash – A mild mouthwash can help keep your mouth fresh and free of bacteria.
5. Floss cautiously – If flossing is part of your routine, do so cautiously around the bridge to avoid disturbing any remaining parts.

Call Your Dentist Right Away

After you’ve handled the immediate situation, the next important step is calling your dentist.
What to do when calling:

1. Describe the damage – Explain whether the bridge is cracked, partially loose, or fully out.
2. Mention any pain – Let them know if you’re in pain and how severe it is.
3. Provide details on the loose parts – Tell them if you’ve removed any pieces and if there are any sharp edges.
4. Ask for an urgent appointment – Be clear that you need to be seen as soon as possible.
5. Follow their advice – They might give you further instructions to help manage your situation until your visit.

Temporary Solutions You Can Try at Home

While you wait for your dental appointment, there are some temporary solutions you can try to make yourself more comfortable.
Consider these temporary fixes:

1. Dental wax – You can place a small amount of dental wax over any sharp edges to protect your tongue and cheeks.
2. Over-the-counter pain relief – If you’re feeling discomfort, consider taking a mild pain reliever like ibuprofen to reduce swelling and ease the pain.
3. Cold compress – Applying a cold compress on your cheek near the affected area can help reduce any swelling or discomfort.
4. Avoid home repair kits – Unless directed by your dentist, don’t use home dental kits, as they can cause more damage.
5. Stay gentle – Until you see your dentist, continue to treat the broken area with care, avoiding unnecessary pressure or irritation.

What to Expect at Your Dentist Appointment

During your visit, your local dentist will assess the damage and offer a plan for fixing it.
Here’s what might happen:

1. Initial examination – Your dentist will check the area, possibly using X-rays to see the full extent of the damage.
2. Discussion of repair options – Depending on the severity of the break, they may repair the bridge or suggest replacing it.
3. Cleaning the area – Before any work begins, your local dentist will thoroughly clean the affected area to avoid further issues.
4. Temporary or permanent fix – A temporary fix might be applied if more work is needed in a follow-up appointment, or they may repair or replace the bridge on the spot.
5. Post-care advice – After the appointment, your dentist will provide care instructions to ensure a smooth dental recovery.

Conclusion

A broken dental bridge can be stressful, but it’s manageable when you act quickly and follow these steps. Stay calm, keep the area clean, and get in touch with your Oakland dentist to resolve the issue efficiently. By taking care of your teeth now, you’ll avoid bigger problems later and get back to smiling with confidence.

Restore Your Smile with the Best Dental Bridges in Oakland

If your dental bridge has broken, don’t wait. Contact Franklin Dental Care today for immediate assistance. Our dental office team is ready to provide expert care and restore your smile. Call us now or visit our website to book your appointment.