My Dental Bridge Fell Out! What Should I Do?

Losing your dental bridge can feel stressful, but don’t worry—it’s fixable! While it’s rare for bridges or screws to fail with a 3 on 6™ procedure, complications do sometimes happen. Don't worry though, your 3 on 6 provider can help!

Whether you have an FP1 like the 3 on 6, an FP3 like the All-on-4, a full arch bridge or a traditional dental bridge, here’s what you should do to get things back on track if a dental bridge fall out.

4 Steps to Take When a Dental Bridge Falls Out:

Step 1: Stay Calm—Don't Panic

It’s easy to feel anxious when something goes wrong, but staying calm is crucial. Losing a dental bridge can be stressful, but the good news is that most issues are fixable with the right care. Your 3 on 6 provider is well-equipped to handle this situation and will guide you through the process. Your dental bridge may still be intact enough to be reattached or adjusted, and the issue is likely fixable without causing further complications.

One advantage of the 3 on 6 is that it is easier, faster, and more affordable to replace a bridge as opposed to another restoration like an All-on-4 implant denture.

Question: Can the temporary teeth fall out?

At the time of a surgery, 3 on 6 patients get a full arch bridge of teeth. These are made of a resin and are not as strong as the final teeth the patient will end up with. While not common, this temporary bridge is more susceptible to breaks, usually due to teeth grinding or chewing on hard foods. Depending on the severity of the issue and how long it has been since surgery, the dentist may recommend different approaches ranging from waiting until the next scheduled appointment, or coming in for a new bridge to be attached. If this happens to you, know that you’re not alone, and your clinic is there to help get everything back on track. You’ve got this!

Step 2: Contact Your Dentists or 3 on 6 Provider Right Away

If your dental bridge falls out, call your 3 on 6 provider immediately. You’ll likely want to schedule an appointment as soon as possible so you can get the bridge reattached or replaced. If you have any symptoms like pain or swelling, make sure to explain those when calling. If you’re unsure of your provider’s contact details, check the “find a provider" page for all the info you need.

After attaching a bridge, access holes are filled and polished

Step 3: Safely Keep the Pieces of the Bridge

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If the bridge has any loose or broken pieces, store them carefully in a clean container. Keeping the bridge intact will make it easier for your dentist to fix or replace it. This will also assist them in determining what may have caused the bridge to disconnect in the first place.

Question: What if my zirconia bridge is loose or falls out?

Natural teeth are susceptible to lots of issues like cavities, chips, discoloration, etc. Luckily that list is a lot shorter for zirconia bridges, but one issue that can happen is bridge loosening. It’s rare for a zirconia bridge to disconnect, but not impossible. If it does become loose or falls off, it is often due to teeth grinding or abnormally high pressures, weakening the connecting screw to the teeth. Fortunately, if this rare issue happens to you, it is generally easy to fix. The dentist will simply remove the bridge and reinstall it with new connecting screws. This is something covered in the 3 on 6 Limited Lifetime Guarantee, so ask your provider if they offer this guarantee.

Step 4: Soft Foods Only!

While waiting for your appointment, stick to soft foods that won't put pressure on your implants or the area where the bridge fell off. Soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies are perfect for this period. Avoid anything crunchy, sticky, or hard that could cause damage to the dental bridge or irritate the implant area.

This simple step will help keep your teeth and gums safe and minimize any further risk of complications.

Preventing Dental Bridges from Falling Out

To prevent your dental bridge from falling out again, be sure to follow your provider’s post-op instructions carefully. Proper dental care, including brushing and flossing around the implants and bridge, will help keep everything in place. Avoid excessive chewing forces that wouldn't be good for natural teeth. If you're a teeth grinder, talk to your dentist about getting a night guard.

If you're ever unsure about anything related to your dental care, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. It’s always better to ask questions now than face bigger problems down the road.