By Dr. Harsh Patel, DDS · Next Care Dental, Houston
A dental bridge that cracks, chips or comes loose usually happens at the worst time, like in the middle of lunch or on the way to work. It can make chewing uncomfortable and leave the teeth underneath unprotected. Here’s what to do right away and what to expect when you come see us at Westheimer & Gessner.
What to Do Right Away
- If the bridge came off in one piece, keep it in a clean container and bring it with you.
- Don’t glue it back yourself. Household glues can damage the bridge and the teeth that hold it.
- Chew on the other side and avoid hard or sticky foods.
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and rinsing.
- Call or text us at (713) 952-0522 as soon as you can.
Why Dental Bridges Sometimes Fail
Dental bridges are designed to last many years, but like any restoration, they may eventually need repair or replacement. Common causes include:
- Wear and tear from everyday chewing
- Loosening of the supporting teeth
- Decay beneath the bridge
- Accidental damage while eating hard foods
- Changes in your bite over time
When to Call Us Promptly
Contact us soon if you notice:
- A loose dental bridge
- Pain or pressure around the bridge
- Difficulty chewing food
- Visible cracks or damage
- Sensitivity in the supporting teeth
These signs mean the bridge and the teeth holding it should be checked, so a small problem doesn’t turn into a bigger one.
What Happens at Your Visit
- Exam. We look at the bridge, the supporting teeth and your gums.
- X-rays. Our office uses digital X-rays to check the teeth under the bridge for decay or damage.
- Comfort and protection. We make sure you’re comfortable and that the area is protected while we plan the next step.
- Your options. We explain whether the bridge can be repaired or re-cemented, or whether a new bridge is the better long-term choice.
Can a Broken Bridge Be Fixed the Same Day?
Sometimes. If the bridge is still in one piece and the teeth holding it are healthy, it may be possible to re-cement it at the same visit. If the bridge is cracked or the supporting teeth need treatment, a new bridge is custom-made after your visit, and we’ll protect the area in the meantime. We don’t offer same-day bridges or crowns. We’ll tell you your timeline at your visit.
Can I Be Seen Quickly?
We see dental emergencies, and we try to see same-day visits Monday through Friday when we can. Call or text first so we can find you the soonest time. See our emergency dental care page for more.
Does Insurance Cover Bridge Repair?
Many dental plans cover part of the cost of repairing or replacing a bridge when it’s needed to restore your teeth. Our front desk can check your benefits before treatment so you know what to expect. We accept most PPO plans, and we offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and Cherry.
Visiting Next Care Dental
Next Care Dental is at 9650 Westheimer Rd, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77063, at Westheimer & Gessner next to Randall’s. Our team speaks English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Gujarati and Hindi, and we’re open Monday through Thursday 8–5 and Friday 8–3.
Learn more on our crowns & bridges page.
Have a loose or broken bridge? Call or text (713) 952-0522 or book online.