If you have a dental bridge or you’re thinking about restoring one or more missing teeth with a bridge, you may be wondering what you should do if your bridge ever becomes loose. What does it mean, and do you need to see your dentist? The team at Peninsula Dental Excellence is here for you and is always happy to answer any questions you may have.
WHY DOES MY BRIDGE FEEL LOOSE?
There are a few common reasons that your bridge may start to feel loose, such as the following:
- Loosening of the bridge due to oral trauma – If you have recently experienced a blow to the head, face, or mouth and your bridge feels loose, it’s possible that your bridge has been loosened due to dental trauma.
The bridge itself may have been damaged and become loose, or the teeth that support your bridge may have been seriously damaged. If you feel any discomfort or loosening of your bridge after experiencing oral trauma, it is crucial that you seek care immediately.
- Decay of abutment tooth – If you are not caring for your bridge, your teeth, and your gums properly, it’s possible for one of the underlying “abutment” teeth that support your bridge to decay.
As the tooth decays, it will break down, and the dental cement used to attach the bridge to your abutment teeth will loosen, causing your bridge to feel loose and begin wiggling. However, as long as this is caught early, it’s usually possible to restore your tooth and re-attach your dental bridge.
- Breakdown of dental cement over time – This is relatively rare, unless other dental health complications are present. However, if you do have a bridge for a long time, the dental cement may eventually loosen slightly, and could cause your bridge to become loose. This is more likely if you frequently eat extremely sticky foods that could pull your bridge away from the cement, and loosen it over time.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY BRIDGE IS LOOSE?
If your bridge feels loose for any reason, you need to get help from Dr. Colin Au and the team at Peninsula Dental Excellence right away. The sooner you get treatment and have your bridge re-attached, the sooner you can get back to your day-to-day life.
A loose bridge is a dental emergency. We can restore your smile and your bridge with a same-day appointment. Give us a call at (650) 968-9186 to schedule your appointment, and see Dr. Colin Au to have your bridge re-attached.
While you wait for your appointment, do your best to avoid moving the bridge around. Do not attempt to move, clean around, or further loosen your dental bridge. If you move the bridge excessively, you could cause further damage to the bridge or to your abutment teeth.
COME TO PENINSULA DENTAL EXCELLENCE TO RESTORE YOUR DENTAL BRIDGE
If you have a loose bridge in Mountain View, don’t wait to get treatment. You need to seek help immediately from a dentist like Dr. Colin Au. So don’t wait. Contact us at (650) 968-9186 for a same-day appointment, or feel free to stop by our office at 1704 Miramonte Avenue Suite 4 Mountain View CA, 94040.
