Cracked bridgework - can a loose tooth be cemented back in?

Question

hi, I have had a bridge of 4 teeth for 25 years, however the other day, I went to bite an apple and I heard an almighty crack, looking at it I seem to have cracked the bridge at the end of the bridge and wondered what needs to bde done to repair it - will it all have to come out or can the loose tooth on the bridge be cemented back in (if that is something that can be done).

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Based on your description of events, it sounds like you will likely need to have your bridge redone.  I hope you did not actually fracture any of your original tooth structure, because this could require you to need more extensive dental work.  It is not uncommon for your bridge to last that long; I usually let my patients know that if they take care of their bridges, crowns, veneers, etc., they can expect them to last 20-30 years.  So, 25 years is right within that time period.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

Wow, your 4 unit bridge has lasted over 25 years!  That is fantastic.  You must have had a really great dentist as that exceeds the average lifespan for 4 unit bridges.Obviously, the first thing you should do is go to a dentist and see if it is the bridge or the tooth that is broken and the condition of the teeth, bone and roots.If all is good except the bridge has broken, then you could probably get another bridge.If one of the abutment teeth supporting the bridge has fractured, then you will most likely lose that tooth and a more involved treatment will be needed.  There are usually several options - a new bridge, dental implants or a removable partial denture.btw, if you heard a "crack" most likely it would not be a situation where you can just have the bridge recemented.  I suspect, the root has fractured.Saying that, if it is just a case where the bridge has loosened up, and there isn't any decay and the bridge still fits well, then of course, a good bridge can usually be recemented.Good luck!

Jeffrey Green, DDS · Answer

Hard to tell from your question as to whether the bridge itself has cracked or the tooth supporting the bridge.  If the bridge is loose then the tooth underneath has fractured or the cement came loose.  Occasionally a bridge can be removed without damage and then recemented, but if the tooth is fractured then the bridge most likely will need to be replaced.

Graham T. Egger, DDS · Answer

In all likelihood, the bridge will not be savable and the bigger concern may be the support tooth that cracked under the bridge. A support tooth (also known as an abutment tooth) has to be very healthy and strong to be able to support a long bridge (like the one you are describing). The most important thing to determine at this point is the condition of this abutment tooth. If this tooth can no longer support the bridge, then a longer bridge that uses another tooth for support may be needed. Or, possibly, an implant replacement of the missing teeth may prove to be a better option.

Paul Hettinger, DMD (retired) · Answer

I have never seen a repair of this kind last long term.  Be sure be ask the dentist how long he/she will stand behind the repair.  In the original construction, porcelain is fused onto the prosthesis at ~1700 degrees.  That sort of process cannot be done in the mouth, and anything short of that I personally have found to be quite temporary.

Cracked bridgework - can a loose tooth be cemented back in?

Answers (5)

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