What Happens If a Dental Bridge Breaks Unexpectedly?
Your Complete Emergency Guide
Dental Emergency?
If your broken bridge is causing severe pain or sharp edges, contact our Cardiff emergency dentists immediately.
A broken dental bridge can be alarming, but don’t panic. At Emergency & Walk-In Dentist Cardiff, we’ve helped hundreds of patients with bridge failures. This comprehensive guide explains why bridges break, immediate steps to take, and all your repair options. Most importantly, we’ll help you determine whether your situation requires urgent care or can wait for a scheduled appointment.
Why Dental Bridges Break: 6 Common Causes
1. Normal Wear and Tear
Bridges typically last 7-15 years. Older bridges are more prone to fractures from daily chewing forces.
2. Tooth Decay Under Crowns
Decay compromising supporting teeth can cause the entire bridge to fail unexpectedly.
3. Trauma or Injury
Accidents, falls, or biting hard objects (ice, hard candy) can fracture porcelain or dislodge the bridge.
4. Poor Fit
Improperly fitted bridges create uneven pressure points that lead to premature failure.
5. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Chronic grinding applies excessive force that porcelain bridges can’t withstand long-term.
6. Cement Failure
Over time, the dental cement holding the bridge can degrade, causing loosening.
Immediate Steps When Your Bridge Breaks
Assess the Damage
Check if:
- The bridge is loose but still intact
- Pieces have broken off
- There’s pain or bleeding
Save All Pieces
Collect any broken fragments in a clean container. Don’t attempt to glue them yourself.
Temporary Measures
If the bridge is loose but not broken:
- Don’t remove it completely
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Use dental wax for sharp edges
Call Your Dentist
Even if not painful, schedule an appointment within 3 days to prevent:
- Shifting of adjacent teeth
- Decay in exposed areas
- Further damage
Bridge Repair Options
| Type of Damage | Possible Solutions | Urgency Level |
|---|---|---|
| Loose but intact bridge | Recementation (may require new bridge if crowns are compromised) | Schedule within 3-5 days |
| Small porcelain chip | Composite resin repair or porcelain polishing | Schedule within 1 week |
| Major fracture | New bridge required (impressions needed) | Urgent – within 24-48 hours |
| Damaged supporting tooth | Tooth may need root canal or extraction with new restoration plan | Emergency – same day |
Note: About 60% of broken bridges require complete replacement rather than repair. Our Cardiff bridge specialists can assess whether your bridge can be salvaged.
🚨 When Broken Bridges Become Dental Emergencies
Seek immediate care if you experience:
🔴 Severe Pain
Indicates possible nerve exposure
🔴 Bleeding Gums
Sign of infection or tissue damage
🔴 Swelling
May indicate abscess formation
🔴 Sharp Edges
Can cut tongue or cheeks
Preventing Future Bridge Failures
Night Guards
If you grind teeth, a custom guard protects your bridge from excessive forces.
Proper Hygiene
Floss daily with bridge-specific tools and use antibacterial mouthwash.
Diet Modifications
Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or using teeth as tools.
Regular Checkups
Biannual exams catch problems early before they cause bridge failure.
Broken Bridge? We Can Help!
Our Cardiff dental team provides same-day emergency bridge repairs and replacements when needed.
Broken Bridge FAQs
Q: Can I superglue my dental bridge back in place?
Important: Never use household adhesives on dental work. These can:
- Irritate gums and soft tissues
- Make proper repair more difficult
- Potentially poison you if ingested
Q: How long can I go without replacing a broken bridge?
While not ideal, you might wait 1-2 weeks if:
- There’s no pain or sensitivity
- You maintain excellent oral hygiene
- You avoid chewing on that side
- Teeth shifting position
- Bone loss in the gap
- Further damage to abutment teeth
Q: Is a broken bridge covered by dental insurance?
Coverage depends on:
- Your specific plan details
- Whether the bridge failed due to:
- Normal wear (often covered)
- Accident (may require separate insurance)
- Neglect (rarely covered)
