Posted on 10/1/2024 by Bay Lakes Complex Dentistry
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns that are cemented to the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. While dental bridges are generally durable, they can occasionally become loose.
If you have a loose dental bridge, don't panic! It's important to act quickly, however, to prevent further damage and potential complications. In this article, we'll discuss what to do if you have a loose dental bridge, including:
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Identifying the cause of the looseness
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Taking immediate steps to secure the bridge
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Seeking professional dental care
Identifying the Cause of Looseness
There are several reasons why a dental bridge might become loose. Some of the most common causes include:
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Dental decay: Decay can weaken the abutment teeth, making them less able to support the bridge.
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Gum disease: Gum disease can damage the tissues that support the bridge, leading to looseness.
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Trauma: A blow to the mouth can damage the bridge or the abutment teeth.
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Improper fit: If the bridge doesn't fit properly, it can put stress on the abutment teeth and cause them to loosen.
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Normal wear and tear: Over time, the cement that holds the bridge in place can weaken, causing the bridge to loosen.
Taking Immediate Steps
If your dental bridge feels loose, the first thing you should do is call your dentist. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to protect your teeth and gums:
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Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the loose bridge. This will help to prevent further damage to the bridge and the surrounding teeth.
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Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. This will help to keep the area clean and prevent infection.
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Try to avoid using floss or toothpicks near the loose bridge. This could dislodge the bridge completely.
Seeking Professional Dental Care
It's important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you have a loose dental bridge. Your dentist will be able to examine the bridge and determine the cause of the looseness. They will also be able to recommend the best course of treatment.
Depending on the cause of the looseness, your dentist may recommend one of the following treatments:
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Recementing the bridge: If the bridge is loose due to weakened cement, your dentist may be able to simply recement it.
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Repairing the bridge: If the bridge is damaged, your dentist may be able to repair it.
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Replacing the bridge: If the bridge is severely damaged or cannot be repaired, your dentist may need to replace it with a new one.
Conclusion
A loose dental bridge can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem. However, it's important to remember that it's a treatable condition. By taking action quickly and seeking professional dental care, you can restore your smile and prevent further complications.
For Patients • Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry Do you have questions? We might be able to answer them here. We have information on dental forms, testimonials, payments and more. Click here! Bay Lakes Complex Dentistry, 138 Siegler Street, Green Bay WI 54303; (920) 278-7678; baylakescomplexdentistry.com; 11/1/2024; Page Phrases: resources for patients,payments,testimonials green bay,patient information green bay