Dealing with Loose or Broken Dental Bridges

When it comes to substituting missing teeth, dental bridges are a trusted solution that restores both form and function. However, even the most reliable restorations aren’t immune to wear and tear. If your dental bridges in Lewisville, TX, feel unstable or break unexpectedly, understanding the next steps can really help you avoid complications and ensure your smile stays strong.

Common Causes of Loose or Broken Dental Bridges

Understanding why a dental bridge breaks helps prevent future problems. The damage could come from many things—some obvious, others not.

Here’s what commonly causes bridge trouble:

• Bite force from chewing hard items like nuts, ice, or hard candy
• Tooth decay under the supporting teeth or crowns
• Poor oral hygiene, which weakens the bridge’s foundation
• Clenching or grinding, especially at night
• Wear and tear from age—the average bridge lasts 5–15 years
• Improper fit from the start

When your tooth bridge no longer fits right, your bite suffers. That could lead to jaw pain or even further damage to surrounding teeth.

Signs That Your Dental Bridge Needs Repair

Most people don’t realize something’s wrong until it’s obvious. Don’t wait for the bridge to fall out before calling your dentist.

Watch for these red flags:

• A bridge that wiggles when you chew or talk
• Pain or soreness in the gums or supporting teeth
• Food is getting trapped more often in or around teeth gaps
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Bad breath or a strange taste—this could mean decay underneath
• Visible cracks or chips in the bridge

If you feel even slight movement, it could mean the cement holding your bridge has weakened.

What to Do Immediately If Your Dental Bridge Breaks

You’re enjoying dinner and—crack!—a piece of your bridge breaks. It can be alarming, but here’s how to handle it calmly.

Follow these steps right away:

• Remove loose pieces from your mouth to avoid swallowing or choking
• Rinse gently with warm saltwater to clean the area
• Check the damage—see if it’s a complete break or just a crack
• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth
• Call your dentist and schedule an appointment
• Keep the broken piece if possible, as it may help in the repair

If you’re in the area, a cosmetic dentist in Lewisville can often repair or replace bridges without delay.

Risks of Ignoring a Damaged Dental Bridge

It’s tempting to wait a few days or weeks before calling a dentist, especially if the pain isn’t too bad. But this can turn a simple fix into a costly one.

Ignoring the damage can lead to:

• Further damage to the anchor teeth
• Gum infections or soreness
• Shifting of nearby teeth
• Difficulty eating or speaking
• Bone loss in the jaw over time
• Failure of your missing teeth replacement, requiring a complete redo

Delaying care can turn a small crack into a complete replacement. That means more time, more visits, and more money.

Temporary Solutions for a Loose Dental Bridge

You might not get to the dentist right away. But there are safe steps you can take to protect the bridge and your mouth until then.

Try these short-term fixes:

• Dental wax or temporary cement from the drugstore can help secure a loose bridge
• Stick to soft foods—soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes
• Keep your mouth clean by rinsing after every meal
• Don’t chew gum or use the bridge side of your mouth

These aren’t long-term solutions. But they can protect you from more damage while waiting for your appointment.

When to Visit a Dentist for Bridge Repairs

Sooner is better when it comes to bridge problems. Even if the damage seems small, your dentist can assess it before it gets worse.

Visit your dentist if:

• The bridge moves, tilts, or causes discomfort
• You’ve lost part of the bridge or one of the crowns
• Pain or soreness develops
• Food keeps getting stuck under the bridge
• You haven’t had your bridge checked in over a year

We work with patients every day to fix loose or broken bridges. Our team focuses on long-lasting, custom solutions that restore function and appearance.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let a loose or broken bridge disrupt your life. Trust the experts at Arte Dental & Orthodontics Lewisville for prompt, professional care that keeps your smile functioning at its best. Schedule your visit today to restore comfort and confidence—because your health, bite, and peace of mind deserve immediate attention.