A dental bridge is a common treatment option for a patient missing a tooth or multiple consecutive teeth. Dental bridges consist of false teeth that fill in the gap in a patient’s mouth where teeth are missing. In a traditional dental bridge, crowns on either side of the gap anchor the bridge in place. 

All forms of replacement teeth require some degree of maintenance. This doesn’t just involve staying on top of dental and oral hygiene.

For example, when you receive a dental bridge, along with the crowns anchoring it, a special cement or bonding agent will help keep the bridge in a fixed position. Over the years, it may be necessary to remove and recement the bridge to ensure it continues functioning as intended.

Why You Might Need to Remove a Dental Bridge

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it’s not uncommon for a dental bridge to stay in good condition for 10 years or longer. However, over time, it may become necessary to remove a dental bridge. Potential reasons for doing so include the following:

• Removing a dental bridge to address underlying dental or oral health issues affecting the teeth supporting the bridge.
• Addressing discomfort if a bridge no longer fits a patient’s mouth perfectly.
• Addressing aesthetic concerns if, due to such factors as the changing appearance of a patient’s gums or teeth, a dental bridge no longer blends in with a patient’s smile as naturally as it once did.

A dental bridge can also become loose for various reasons. When this occurs, a dentist may need to remove and recement it, or replace it with a new bridge.

Removing a Dental Bridge: Important Information

Removing and recementing a dental bridge isn’t always an option. Factors affecting whether a dentist may be able to remove and recent your bridge include:

• The Strength of the Adhesive: Dental bridges come in a variety of forms. Sometimes, dentists use stronger or weaker adhesives depending on what type of bridge a patient is receiving. If an adhesive is particularly strong, removing it without potentially causing damage to the anchor teeth may prove challenging.
• The Supporting Teeth’s Condition: If the teeth supporting a dental bridge are still in the same condition they were in when a patient first received their bridge, it might be possible to simply remove the current bridge and recement it. If the teeth have decayed or otherwise become damaged, a patient may need a new bridge, or the teeth may require additional treatment before a dentist can replace their bridge.

If a dentist confirms it is possible to recement a dental bridge, the process will typically involve these steps:

• Removing the bridge carefully to avoid damaging supporting teeth.
• Cleaning the bridge and neighboring dental surfaces.
• Applying new adhesive to the bridge.
• Reinserting the bridge back into its original position.

Even if a dentist can’t remove and recement an existing bridge, that doesn’t always mean there are no other potential ways to replace a patient’s missing teeth. For example, a dentist may be able to equip you with a new bridge that better suits your current needs. Or, they might discuss other treatment options, such as dental implants.

The main point to keep in mind is that removing and recementing a dental bridge is sometimes an option that may be necessary for various reasons. If you suspect it might be time to remove your bridge for any reason, discuss the topic with your dentist for more information.

Chang Dental Group provides the highest quality dental care in a warm and gentle environment to Natick, MA, and its surrounding areas. Their Services include Dental Bridges, Dental Implants, Family Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, and more.