Whether a loose dental bridge can be recemented depends on a few factors:
The cause of the looseness:
- Simple loosening: If the bridge is simply a bit loose due to wear and tear, the cement may have weakened or eroded. In this case, it’s likely that your dentist can remove the bridge, clean it and the supporting teeth, and recement it securely with fresh cement.
- Underlying problems: If the looseness is due to issues like gum disease, decay under the bridge, or damage to the supporting teeth, then recementing won’t be the only solution. Your dentist will need to address the underlying problem first, which may involve treatments like treating gum disease, filling cavities, or repairing damaged teeth. Depending on the extent of the damage, they may then be able to recement the bridge or may recommend a new one.
Learn more: What is a dental bridge?
The extent of damage:
- Minor damage: If the bridge itself is intact and has no cracks or fractures, there’s a good chance it can be reused after removal and cleaning.
- Major damage: If the bridge itself is cracked, fractured, or severely worn, it may not be suitable for recementing and may need to be replaced with a new one.
The removal process:
- Easy removal: If the bridge comes off easily without damaging the supporting teeth, recementing is more likely to be successful.
- Difficult removal: If the bridge is strongly bonded and requires drilling to remove it, this can damage the bridge or the supporting teeth, making it less likely that the original bridge can be reused.
Here’s what you should do:
- Don’t try to force the bridge back in yourself. This could cause further damage.
- Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They can diagnose the problem and discuss the best options for fixing your bridge.
Therefore, it’s impossible to say definitively whether your bridge can be recemented without a proper examination by your dentist. They will assess the situation, determine the cause of the looseness, and evaluate the bridge itself to determine the best course of action.
If you are looking for a Weymouth dentist near you, please visit Comfort Dental Weymouth, 47 Washington St, Weymouth, MA 02188, (781) 337-3300.