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Can A Dental Bridge Be Removed And Recemented?

June 28, 2023

Having a missing tooth is a bigger deal than just aesthetics. Without a replacement, that empty space offers no support to surrounding teeth, allowing them to drift. This can lead to crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps, misaligned bites, and, eventually, the need for complex dental care.

There are many ways to avoid all of this - and a dental bridge is one of the most popular options to do so. While they work beautifully, sometimes issues can arise that impact the integrity of it. Removal may be necessary, but can a dental bridge be removed and recemented? Let’s find out.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an oral appliance that fills in the empty space where a tooth once was. There are many different types, but typically it involves two crowns, one on either side of the open space, that fit upon anchoring teeth. This is what holds the fake tooth, formally known as a pontic, in place.

Cement is used to secure the dental crowns as they attach to strong, healthy anchor teeth. This allows the dental bridge to look and function just like a real tooth or teeth - and gives you biting strength back, as well.

When Would a Dental Bridge Need to Be Removed?

If placed well and diligently cared for, dental bridges can last for several years. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, a dental bridge may fail and need to be removed. Below are a few of the most common reasons this happens.

Poor-Fitting Bridge. A bridge that is too loose will not only function poorly, but it will allow bacteria to make their way under the bridge and lead to tooth decay in the healthy anchor teeth. As a result, this can cause the bridge to lose its stable support, too.
Cracked or Damaged Pontic. Although the dental crowns used as fake teeth are strong and meant to hold a lot of pressure from bite force, they are not unbreakable. Any cracks or breaks will require dental attention and potential removal.
Damage to Surrounding Teeth. It is possible for a dental bridge to damage the teeth they come in contact with, wearing down their enamel over time. This can put healthy teeth at risk for decay.
Gum Disease. Dental bridges can increase the risk of gum disease. Any signs of it will need to be addressed right away - or the bridge may need to be removed.

Can a Dental Bridge Be Recemented?

After a dental bridge has been removed, it may or may not be able to be recemented. After all, the act of removing the bridge could cause damage since the cement used is meant to hold it in place for many years. So, whether or not it will be able to be saved and recemented will depend highly on the situation. How strong the cement bond is, the cause of the bridge failure, and the strength of the anchor teeth all play a role.

For instance, if a bridge is too loose, it is often no big deal to remove it and recement it as it obviously didn’t have a good grip in the first place. On the other hand, if the bridge is unable to be easily removed, it will likely have to be drilled off, causing irreparable damage to the bridge and requiring replacement.