Dental bridges are permanent restorations that replace missing teeth and restore your smile’s aesthetics and functionality. On average, dental bridges tend to last more than 7 years. But what happens if, for various reasons, you need to have a dental bridge removed? The short answer is yes, dental bridges can be removed, but the process and the implications vary depending on the overall health of the surrounding teeth and gums. This blog post will explore the when to remove the dental bridges and the reasons for removal.
When To Remove the Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are custom-made prosthetics that bridge the gap left by one or more missing teeth. They are anchored to adjacent teeth, called abutment teeth, crowned to provide support. They can also be attached to dental implants.
There is a false tooth (pontic) between the two crowns replacing your missing teeth. If you develop the following problems, you should remove the dental bridges immediately.
- Damage or Tooth Decay
When your natural tooth under the bridge starts to decay, or in the abutment teeth, the bridge’s stability will be affected. This requires the immediate removal of a dental bridge. Tooth decay can be the result of an ill-fit dental bridge. - Cracked or Fractured Bridge
Another reason to consider replacing the bridge is when it is damaged, fractured, or chipped. While small fractures might be repaired without removing the whole bridge, significant cracks in any part of its structure will require removal. - Poor Fit
A poorly fitting bridge can cause discomfort, irritation, and bone loss. It builds up a tatar and calculus underneath the crown. In such cases, you may need to remove and replace the bridge with a better-fitting one. - Gum Disease
Gum disease around the bridge or abutment teeth can compromise the bridge’s stability and necessitate removal. You must be careful when using dental bridges because they increase the risk of developing gum diseases such as gingivitis and other severe diseases. However, regular dental cleanings, brushing twice a day, and dental flossing daily can prevent gum disease. Mild gum disease can be resolved without removing the bridges. Advanced gum diseases may require the removal of bridges. - Advancements in Dental Technology
Sometimes, newer restorative options, such as dental implants, become available or preferable, leading to the removal of an older bridge.
What to Expect After Removal of Dental Bridge?
After bridge removal, the abutment teeth, particularly those supporting fixed bridges, will require attention. They will have been prepared (reshaped) to accommodate the crowns, so they will need new restorations, such as crowns or veneers, to protect them and restore their function and appearance. If the bridge was removed due to decay or gum disease, those issues must be addressed before a new restoration can be placed.
Wrap it Up
While dental bridges are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth, they can be removed if necessary. If you have concerns about your dental bridge or think it might need to be removed, consult our expert dentists at Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry. Call us at (949) 552-1380 to schedule an appointment.