Swollen gums under bridge

A bridge replaces a missing tooth with a restoration supported by neighboring teeth or implants. The tissue beneath the replacement tooth and around its supports needs cleaning, and inflammation can also arise from decay, a loose margin, periodontal disease, or an abscess.

Clean under the bridge with a floss threader, superfloss, an interdental brush, or a water flosser used as directed, and brush the gum margins gently. Do not force an instrument beneath the bridge or try to adjust it; the dentist may examine margins, take radiographs, remove deposits, repair or replace the bridge, or treat an affected tooth.

Arrange dental care if swelling persists, bleeds, produces a bad taste, causes pain, or makes the bridge feel loose. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, fever, pus, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Ask whether the swelling is from plaque, the bridge margin, decay, periodontal disease, or an abscess. Ask how to clean beneath this bridge, whether its fit and contacts are correct, and whether the supporting teeth need tests or imaging.