Loose Dental Bridge
What Is A Loose Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges, also known as fixed partial dentures, literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The two natural teeth on either side of the gap are called abutment teeth. The false teeth spanning the gaps are called pontic teeth. Bridges are typically made of materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and are designed to last for many years with proper care. They are bonded to the tooth using a special dental cement.
However, in some cases, a dental bridge may become loose and feel wobbly in the mouth. Even though the bridge has not fallen out completely yet, this can be a concerning issue for many dental patients, as a loose bridge can cause discomfort, sensitivity, and even damage to the underlying tooth structure.
Before you contact a Toronto dentist to examine a Loose Dental Bridge, there are some things you should know as a patient:
- Why Do I Have A Loose Dental Bridge?
- Signs And Symptoms Of A Loose Dental Bridge
- Treatment Options For A Loose Dental Bridge
- How To Prevent A Loose Dental Bridge
- Managing A Loose Dental Bridge Until You Can See The Dentist
If you have questions about Loose Dental Bridge or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.
Why Do I Have A Loose Dental Bridge?
A loose dental bridge can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Tooth decay: If the tooth underneath the bridge develops dental caries, it can weaken the adhesive bond between the tooth and the tooth bridge, causing the bridge to become loose.
- Trauma: A blow to the face or mouth can cause a dental bridge to loosen or even fall off.
- Bite issues: If a person’s bite is misaligned or if they grind their teeth, it can put extra pressure on the bridge and cause it to become loose.
- Age: Over time, the cement that holds the dental bridge in place can degrade and weaken, causing the bridge to loosen.
- Poor oral hygiene: A lack of proper oral care can create unfavorable oral conditions that can degrade the cement that holds the bridge to the tooth.
It’s important to address a loose dental bridge as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the underlying tooth and to prevent the bridge from falling out. If you have further questions about a Loose Dental Bridge, please contact us.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Loose Dental Bridge
If you have a loose dental bridge, you may experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
- Sensitivity: You may feel pain or sensitivity in the tooth when you eat or drink hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
- Wobbliness: The bridge may feel loose or wobbly in your mouth, or you may notice that it moves when you touch it with your tongue or fingers.
- Bite feels off: If the dental bridge has shifted as a result of it becoming loose, the way your teeth come together may not feel normal.
- Discomfort: You may experience discomfort or pain when you bite or chew, or when you close your mouth.
- Bad smell: If bacteria have accumulated under the bridge, you may notice a bad taste or odor in your mouth.
- Visible damage: You may notice visible damage to the dental bridge, such as chips, cracks, or wear.
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. If you have further questions about a Loose Dental Bridge, please contact us.
Treatment Options For A Loose Dental Bridge
If you have a loose dental bridge, there are several treatment options available, including:
- Recementation: Your dentist may be able to simply remove and recement the loose bridge back onto the tooth. This involves cleaning the bridge and the tooth, applying new dental cement, and carefully placing the bridge back into position.
- Bridge replacement: If the bridge is damaged or cannot be securely recemented, your dentist may need to replace the bridge entirely. This involves removing the loose bridge, preparing the tooth for a new bridge, and placing a new bridge onto the tooth.
- Root canal therapy: If the underlying tooth is decayed and has become infected or damaged, your dentist may need to perform root canal therapy to clean out the infected nerve space inside the tooth before placing a new bridge.
- Extraction: In rare cases where the tooth or bridge cannot be saved, your dentist may need to extract the tooth and discuss replacement options, such as a dental implant or dental bridge.
The best treatment option for a loose dental bridge will depend on the specific circumstances of your case, such as the cause of the looseness, the condition of the underlying tooth, and the overall health of your mouth. If you have further questions about treatment options for a Loose Dental Bridge, please contact us.
How To Prevent A Loose Dental Bridge
While some causes of a loose dental bridge may be out of your control, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of experiencing a loose bridge, including:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Keeping the area around the dental bridge as clean can help prevent damage to your bridge. Brush and floss gently around the tooth. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash can help reduce infection, inflammation and alleviate toothache pain. You can buy any mouthwash available at your pharmacy or health foods store. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups can help identify and address any issues with your dental bridge before they become more serious.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: Chewing on hard or sticky foods, such as ice or caramel, can put extra pressure on the bridge and cause it to become loose.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you participate in sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth and the bridge from dental trauma.
- Address bite issues: If you have a misaligned bite or grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about options to address these issues, such as orthodontics or a nightguard.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure the longevity of your dental bridge and reduce the risk of experiencing a loose bridge. However, if you do experience a loose dental bridge, it’s important to seek prompt treatment from your dentist to prevent further damage or infection. If you have further questions about a Loose Dental Bridge, please contact us.
Managing A Loose Dental Bridge Until You Can See The Dentist
If you are unable to see your dentist immediately after noticing a loose dental bridge, there are steps you can take to manage the situation and minimize discomfort, including:
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: As mentioned earlier, avoid foods that require heavy chewing or can stick to the bridge and pull it off.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush gently around the bridge and floss regularly to prevent further damage and bacterial buildup around the loose bridge. The Waterpik waterflosser is also a terrific adjunctive tool to keep the area under a loose dental bridge clean.
- Use temporary dental adhesive: Temporary dental adhesive can be purchased over-the-counter at your pharmacy and used to temporarily reattach the loose bridge to the tooth. Apply the adhesive sparingly to the inside of the bridge and gently press it back onto the tooth. However, this is only a temporary solution and should not be used as a long-term fix.
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen), can help relieve tooth pain or sensitivity from a loose dental Bridge. Follow the instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dose. Unless you have a health condition that prevents you from taking either ibuprofen or acetaminophen, the absolute maximum dose that I recommend patients take for the worst dental pain is 600 mg ibuprofen combined with 1000 mg acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are only temporary measures, and you should still seek prompt treatment from your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection. Your dentist will be able to assess the situation and provide you with the best course of action. If you have further questions about a Loose Dental Bridge, please contact us.
