Dental bridges are an effective and popular treatment for missing teeth. While a bridge can last for decades, there are several reasons why a patient may have a damaged dental bridge:
- Tooth movement caused by gum disease or other oral health factors
- Chewing on ice and other hard objects
- Poor oral hygiene
- Trauma
So, what should you do if you have a damaged dental bridge? And how can you avoid damage in the first place? We’ve got the answers!
Signs of a Damaged Dental Bridge
The most obvious way to know there is a problem is if the bridge falls off. However, the signs of a damaged dental bridge aren’t always so obvious.
Other indicators of a dental bridge that needs repair include:
- Looseness or movement
- Rough or sharp spots that irritate or cut the tongue
- Pain, redness, or sensitivity around the bridge
- A crack in the supporting tooth
Repair vs Replace
The possibility of repairing a damaged bridge really depends on what the damage is and what it was caused by. In some cases, the bridge can be repaired, but in others, it must be replaced.
Repairing a Damaged Dental Bridge
Sometimes a small chip or crack in a crown can be fixed with dental bonding materials. Loose bridges can be recemented in place as long as there are no additional issues related to the teeth.
Replacing a Dental Bridge
If the abutment teeth are damaged, the dentist will likely need to remove the bridge to evaluate and treat the teeth. If the damage is not too significant, the teeth can be fixed and the bridge replaced.
Abutment teeth that are too decayed or damaged may not be able to hold a dental bridge any longer. In this case, a dental implant may be recommended to replace the missing tooth or teeth.
How to Avoid a Damaged Dental Bridge
The team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre knows that the best way to repair a bridge is to not damage it in the first place. You can avoid common dental bridge problems by:
- Proper cleaning and care: Patients with bridges need to brush their bridge and teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush. Additionally, they need to floss daily, sometimes using a waterpik or floss threader to get under the bridge and remove food and plaque. Regular dental cleanings and checkups allow your dentist to inspect and stay ahead of any potential problems.
- Avoiding foods that may damage the bridge: Patients with bridges should be careful to avoid anything that could damage the porcelain exterior of their bridges. These foods include hard nuts, hard candies, popcorn, sugary treats, or sticky caramels. Also, avoid chewing ice.
- Use your teeth as intended: Your teeth should not be used to tear, cut, or hold anything other than food in your mouth. Using your teeth to try to open a bottle can chip and damage teeth or your bridge.
Dental Bridge Repair in Woolgoolga
Regardless of how or why it was damaged, it is important to get a damaged bridge repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Damaged bridges may not cause pain or discomfort at first, but damage can expose the bridge and surrounding teeth to bacteria and decay causing more problems over time.
If you are worried about damage or decay to your dental bridge, contact our dental team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre at (02) 6654-0650
