Can You Replace Your Dental Bridge?

Posted on: 10 August 2022

Dental bridges are a long-lasting option for replacing one or more teeth in a single arch. But eventually, dental bridges may begin to fail. Using a failing dental bridge for eating and speaking is difficult and sometimes painful. Fortunately, if the conditions are right, your dentist can replace your failing dental bridge with a new bridge.

Failing dental bridges can sometimes be repaired

If the main issue with your dental bridge is that it is loose, then in most cases, your dentist will be able to remove the bridge. They can then perform the necessary repairs on the bridge and place it back into its former position. However, the cement holding dental bridges into place is strong, which makes removing a loose dental bridge sometimes difficult.

Tapping a loose dental bridge off is possible if the cement has weakened. But if the cement is still in good condition, tapping a dental bridge off could damage the supporting teeth. The best option if your dentist doesn't want to risk damaging your supporting teeth is to drill off the bridge and make a completely new bridge.

The porcelain coating on dental bridges may also sometimes chip. Your dentist might be able to repair the coating. Chipped pontic teeth can also be repaired sometimes.

If just the dental bridge is damaged, replacement is possible

Dental bridges can break or deteriorate over time. But in the best-case scenario, the supporting teeth are still healthy and in good condition. In this case, your dentist will carefully remove your damaged dental bridge and replace it with a new bridge.

Before the removal of the bridge takes place, your dentist will first perform a thorough exam of the abutment teeth to ensure that they are still healthy and strong enough to support a new bridge

When the supporting teeth are damaged, dental implants are the answer

Dental bridges sometimes fail because the supporting teeth have suffered from dental decay or have broken due to the pressure of supporting the bridge. In this case, your dentist will perform a root canal on each of the abutment teeth. After that, your dentist will then prepare and place a dental crown over each of the abutment teeth to protect them from further damage.

Since the supporting teeth can no longer support a bridge, the best option is to use a dental implant to replace the missing tooth between the abutment teeth. If you have lost too much bone in that area, you'll need a bone graft to bolster your jawbone and provide sufficient support for the dental implant.

To learn more about replacement dental bridges, reach out to a dentist near you.

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