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Dealing with a broken or chipped dental bridge can be stressful and painful. If you’re experiencing this, you might be worried about how it will affect your smile or your ability to eat comfortably.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to manage the situation until you can see your dentist.
A dental bridge plays a big role in your smile by filling in gaps left by missing teeth, helping you chew and speak properly. When it’s damaged, getting it fixed quickly is important to avoid other problems like shifting teeth. Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself in this situation.
What to Do If Your Dental Bridge Breaks or Chips
If you’ve broken or chipped your dental bridge, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your mouth and get the help you need. Here are a few simple steps to follow:
Step 1: Assess the Damage
The first thing you should do is take a look at the damage, but do this carefully. Gently check the area to see if the bridge is cracked, chipped, or has come loose. Look in the mirror or use your phone’s camera to get a better view.
Make sure to avoid touching or poking at the broken area, as this could cause more damage. If it’s difficult to see or you feel a lot of pain, it’s best to wait until you can speak with your dentist.
Step 2: Take Immediate Steps to Care for a Damaged Dental Bridge
Taking quick action can help prevent further problems while you wait for a dental appointment:
- Save the pieces: If any part of your bridge has broken off, keep the pieces in a clean container. Your dentist might be able to use them for a repair. We also want to check how and why it broke, and the pieces can give us valuable information.
- Rinse with warm water: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean. This helps wash away any food particles and reduce the chance of irritation or infection.
- Stop any bleeding: If there is bleeding, press a clean gauze or a damp tea bag against the area for a few minutes. This can help stop the bleeding.
- Be careful with food: Until you can see your dentist, avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could make the damage worse. Softer foods will be easier on the area and less likely to cause pain.
Step 3: Call Your Dentist
Once you’ve taken care of the initial steps, call your dentist as soon as possible. Getting timely care can prevent the situation from getting worse.
When you speak to your dentist, they may ask questions about what happened, how much pain you’re in, and whether the bridge has come completely loose. This information helps them decide if you need an emergency appointment.
In most cases, a broken or damaged dental bridge deserves an urgent appointment in normal business hours, which your dentist or prosthodontist should be able to schedule within a few days. However, some issues may warrant emergency dentistry within hours of the injury.
If you need to call a dentist in the Greater Arizona area, call our Phoenix Office at Dental Specialists of Arizona
When to See an Emergency Dentist for a Broken Bridge
If the tooth or implant that supports your bridge is damaged, has come loose, or has been knocked out, you may need to see an emergency dentist right away.
This kind of issue needs fast treatment to protect your remaining teeth and prevent further complications.
Calling your dental team is the best place to start. Dental offices have protocols for emergency needs, and often have a dentist on call at all times. Or, they can help direct you to an emergency dentist near you that they partner with for these situations.
Step 4: Temporary Fixes Until You Can See Your Dentist
If you have to wait a bit before your appointment, there are some temporary fixes that might help keep you comfortable:
- Cover sharp edges: If the broken bridge has sharp edges that are irritating your tongue or cheek, cover them with orthodontic wax. If you don’t have wax, sugar-free gum can work as a temporary fix.
- Stabilize a loose bridge: If your bridge feels loose but hasn’t fallen out completely, you may be able to use over-the-counter (OTC) dental cement to hold it in place temporarily. This is available at most drugstores, but remember—it’s just a temporary solution until your dentist can do a proper repair.
What Not to Do: Never use household glues like superglue to try to fix your dental bridge. These products are not safe to use in your mouth and can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums.
Step 5: Staying Comfortable After Breaking a Dental Bridge
While waiting for your dentist appointment, you can take steps to manage any discomfort:
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain and swelling. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
- Use a cold compress: If you’re experiencing swelling, place a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of your cheek near the damaged area. This can help reduce both pain and swelling.
- Rinse with warm salt water: If there are any cuts or sore areas, gently rinsing with warm salt water can soothe the tissue and help relieve pain.
- Avoid triggers for tooth sensitivity: If the teeth that supported your bridge are exposed, they may be incredibly sensitive until they are covered again. Avoid very hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods like chocolate and pineapple, and anything sticky or crunchy.
Broken Dental Bridge? We’re Here for You!
If your dental bridge has broken or chipped, don’t worry—help is available at Dental Specialty Associates! Whether we made your bridge or it was placed by another dentist, our team is ready to assist you. We proudly offer both emergency and urgent dental care in Arizona, with convenient locations in Gilbert and Phoenix.
Don’t let a damaged bridge affect your smile or comfort. Call us today to schedule an appointment and get your smile back on track!
