A patient presents with a loose bridge (#6–#11). Examination reveals caries that has compromised the finish line of one abutment tooth. The appropriate treatment is:

Correct answer: B. Remove bridge, restore caries, and fabricate a new bridge

• A. Incorrect. Extraction of the abutment is premature if the tooth can be restored and rebuilt.
• B. CORRECT. When caries compromises the finish line of an abutment, the old bridge cannot be reliably re-used. The correct sequence is: (1) remove the bridge, (2) restore the caries with a core buildup, (3) prepare the tooth with new proper margins, and (4) fabricate a new bridge with margins on the restored tooth.
• C. Incorrect. If caries has destroyed the finish line, the existing bridge margin no longer seals properly. Re-cementing the old bridge will not provide adequate marginal integrity.
• D. Incorrect. Re-cementing without addressing the caries is contraindicated — the caries will progress and destroy the abutment.