Posted October 15, 2025 in Dental Bridge
If you have a dental bridge, you know that it can be a great solution to restoring the appearance and function of your mouth if you’re missing teeth—a missing tooth is a common reason for needing a dental bridge. However, what happens if something goes wrong and the bridge needs to be repaired? Maybe it has come loose, doesn’t feel quite right, or your dentist has noticed changes to the teeth and gums underneath it. In that case, you likely have questions about what’s involved in removing and replacing your dental bridge, including how much time the entire process actually takes. In this blog, we go over why your dental bridge may need to be removed and what you can expect from the dental bridge removal process.
6 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- What Is a Dental Bridge?
- Reasons a Dental Bridge May Need to Be Removed
- Signs Your Dental Bridge Is Failing
- Can My Dental Bridge Be Recemented?
- How Is a Dental Bridge Removed and Recemented?
- How Long Does the Removal and Recementing Process Take?
- Explore Your Dental Bridge Options in Las Cruces
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom restoration designed to “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth. It’s made up of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) held in place by crowns cemented to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the space. Traditional dental bridges can restore the function of your teeth, improve your bite, and enhance your smile. Because they are cemented in place, traditional bridges feel both stable and natural. However, they also require healthy neighboring teeth to support them, as well as healthy gums to ensure lasting effectiveness.
Reasons a Dental Bridge May Need to Be Removed
Although dental bridges are designed to last many years, there are several reasons why one might need to be removed:
- Decay Under the Crowns: If cavities form under the crowns of the supporting teeth, the bridge must be removed to treat the decay.
- Damage to Your Dental Bridge: Chips, cracks, or natural wear can compromise the stability or appearance of your dental bridge.
- Incorrect Fit: Over time, the dental cement securing your bridge to the supporting teeth can weaken, causing the bridge to loosen.
- Changes to Your Bone or Gums: Gum issues such as recession or bone loss in your jaw can alter how your bridge fits, making removal necessary.
- Planned Upgrades: In some cases, you may wish to replace an older dental bridge with a newer, more natural-looking option or even dental implants.
Signs Your Dental Bridge Is Failing
If your bridge is no longer doing its job the way it should, you might notice some of the following symptoms:
- Pain or sensitivity around the supporting teeth or surrounding teeth
- A loose or “wobbly” feeling when biting down
- Difficulty chewing
- Food consistently getting trapped under or around the bridge
- Visible gaps between the bridge and the gumline
- Discomfort or swelling in the gums near the bridge
If you notice any of these issues, it’s essential to see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further complications with your bridge or other dental concerns. If your bridge cannot be repaired, partial dentures are another option for replacing missing teeth.
Can My Dental Bridge Be Recemented?
Not every bridge that comes loose has to be replaced entirely. If the structure of the dental bridge remains strong and intact, and the supporting teeth are healthy, your dentist may be able to clean the area and simply reattach the bridge. In this case, the dentist cleans the area thoroughly before recementing to ensure proper hygiene and prevent infection.
However, if there’s tooth decay, gum disease, or damage to your dental bridge, a complete replacement may be required. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of both the bridge and the teeth it’s anchored to before determining the approach that will offer the best results for you.
How Is a Dental Bridge Removed and Recemented?
Removing a dental bridge isn’t something you can do at home—it requires the expertise and equipment of a dentist. The removal procedure is designed to protect both your natural teeth and the bridge itself, in case it can be reused. While each bridge removal differs according to the patient’s needs, the general process may include:
- Assessment of the Bridge: Your dentist will start by examining the bridge and may take X-rays to assess the health of the supporting teeth.
- Loosening the Cement: Your dentist uses specialized dental instruments or gentle vibration tools to break the cement bond without damaging the crowns or your natural teeth.
- Bridge Removal: Once the bridge is loosened, your dentist carefully lifts the bridge off your teeth. If it’s in good condition, it is then cleaned and prepared for recementing.
- Cleaning and Preparation for Recementing: Your dentist will then clean your teeth under the bridge, treat any cavities or tooth decay, clean and disinfect the bridge, and remove any old cement. If a temporary bridge is used during this process, it may remain in place for a few weeks or even a few months while your new bridge is being made.
- Recementing the Dental Bridge: A fresh layer of dental cement is applied, and the bridge is repositioned. Once the cement is set, your dentist will adjust the bridge to ensure proper bite alignment.
If the bridge cannot be reused, your dentist may recommend dental implants as a long-term solution for tooth replacement.
How Long Does the Removal Process Take?
A common question many patients ask is how long does it take to remove a dental bridge. The time it takes to remove a dental bridge and the recementing process varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure. On average, straightforward cases where the dental bridge is already somewhat loose and the supporting teeth are healthy, recementing the bridge typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. In more complex cases, such as those with a still-strong cement bond or when the underlying teeth or gums require treatment, recementing the bridge can take 90 minutes or more.
If your dental bridge cannot be reused and a new bridge must be fabricated at a dental laboratory, the procedure to replace it will span several appointments. The first appointment may last around an hour, but additional dental appointments and time are needed to take impressions, wait for the fabrication of the device that the dental lab creates, and place your new final bridge. The entire dental bridge process, from removal to final placement, can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on healing and fabrication times.
In short, if your bridge only needs to be recemented, you may leave the Gentle Care Dentistry office with it securely back in place in the same visit. However, if replacement or extra dental procedures are necessary, it will take longer and require multiple appointments.
Recovery Time After Dental Bridge Removal
Recovery after the removal of your dental bridge is usually quick and straightforward for most patients. You can typically return to your normal daily activities right after the procedure. However, it’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to promote healing and avoid complications. This may include eating soft foods for a few days, brushing and flossing gently around the treated area, and attending any scheduled follow-up appointments.
If you are planning to get a new dental bridge, your dentist may recommend waiting a few weeks or even a couple of months before placement. This allows you to heal fully, ensuring the best possible fit and longevity for your new dental bridge.
Aftercare and Maintenance Following Bridge Removal
Following your dental bridge procedure, proper aftercare is important to support healing and maintain your oral health. Ensure you brush and floss regularly to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and further damage, especially around the area where the bridge was removed. Avoid hard or sticky foods that could irritate your gums or damage the underlying teeth.
It’s also important to keep all follow-up dental appointments so your dentist can monitor your recovery and address any concerns promptly. If you notice any signs of infection, pain, or unusual discomfort, contact your dentist right away. With good oral hygiene, proper care, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help prevent future tooth loss and ensure the success of your new dental bridge or other tooth replacement option.
Explore Your Dental Bridge Removal Options in Las Cruces
A dental bridge is a durable, effective, and long-lasting restoration, but like any dental work, it will likely need maintenance at some point. Removing and recementing a bridge can often be handled in under an hour, whereas the removal and full replacement of a bridge requires more time and planning. If you’re noticing changes in the way your bridge feels or functions, schedule an appointment with the expert dentists at Gentle Care Dentistry. To learn more about dental bridges or to make an appointment, call us today at (575) 524-3722 or complete our online contact form.