If you’ve ever experienced a broken temporary bridge or crown, or if you have ever had one come loose, you’re not alone. It may surprise you when you’re chewing, and the next minute you notice your temporary tooth has come loose—no need to panic. There are a few things that you can do if this happens.
What Is A Temporary Bridge?
Some dental offices have special equipment and technology that allows them to make same-day crowns. These offices can prep a tooth, make the crown, and cement the crown in one day so that you don’t need a temporary crown or bridge.
Not all offices have the capabilities of same-day crowns or bridges. These offices will prep your teeth and take impressions so that the lab can make a bridge to replace your teeth. In the meantime, while the lab creates a permanent bridge, your dentist will place a temporary one to help hold space and allow you to chew until the permanent bridge can be placed. The temporary bridge is placed with temporary adhesive to be easily removed.
How Long Does A Temporary Bridge Last?
A temporary bridge is not intended for long-term use or wear. It usually is a generic fit which means it isn’t custom to your teeth like a permanent bridge is. Typically a temporary bridge is only intended to be worn for a few weeks. The bridge is not as strong nor the cement as robust as the permanent bridge or cement used in a few weeks.
Why Does A Temporary Bridge Break?
A temporary bridge may break for a few different reasons. Perhaps, you bit down on something too hard and chipped the bridge. If your bridge came loose, it could be because you were chewing on something sticky or the adhesive just let loose. If your bite is off and you are hitting hard on the bridge, that could also cause it to break.
To best care for your temporary and avoid problems:
- Brush temporary carefully
- Floss temporary gently
- Avoid sticky foods like gum or taffy
- Avoid chewing hard foods like hard candy and ice
What Do I Do If My Temporary Bridge Breaks?
While a temporary bridge breaking or coming loose may initially scare you, it’s not as big of a deal as it may seem. Try not to panic. Remember, the bridge is temporary after all. Following these simple steps can be a great way to stay on track when your temporary falls off:
1. Contact your dentist – Usually, it is a good idea to have the temporary bridge put back on or
replaced with a new temporary one because it does serve many purposes. Reaching out to your dentist
and letting them know that your temporary one fell out or broke is good.
2. Rinse the temporary – This will help you to be able to see if it is broken or chipped? Can it be
recemented?
3. Check your original tooth – There may be temporary cement on the tooth, and you can gently remove
this. Are there any chipped or sharp areas on the tooth?
4. Place temporary back on the tooth – Does it fit? Can it be recemented?
5. Adhere the temporary back on the tooth – most people will see their dentist for this step. However,
dental cement is sold at most drug stores and is a great option when you find yourself with a loose
temporary on the weekend or when you are out of town.
Call Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry if you ever have concerns about your temporary crowns or bridges.
