Solving Gum Problems
Prosthodontics Clinic
Dentistry is an art as well as a science. Dental crowns offer a perfect example of this.
Tooth loss results in
- Undesirable facial changes
- Detrimental effects on chewing
- Damages one’s confidence.
- Aesthetic and functional inconveniences.
Various factors contribute to tooth loss:
- Accidents, injury.
- Grinding of teeth.
- Teeth missing from birth.
PROSTHODONTICS is a speciality involving diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintaining oral function, health, cosmetics of patients with missing and deficient teeth.
What dental procedures do we do?
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Veneers
- Full mouth rehabilitation
- TMJ joint
- Cleft palate
Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices, unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily.
They are cemented onto existing teeth and can only be removed by a dentist.
CROWN
Strengthens the damaged tooth, allowing them to function naturally again
Rational For The Use Of Crown
- To restore the form, function and appearance of teeth which are badly broken down, fractured.
- To improve from and appearance of unsightly teeth which cannot be managed by more conservative cosmetic procedures.
- To reduce the risk of fracture occurring in extensively restored teeth including endodontically treated teeth.
- Rarely, to alter significantly shape, size and inclination of teeth for cosmetics.
- To restore a dental implant.
What Do We Do When We Cap/Crown A Tooth?
- Usually takes 2-3 visits.
- At first visit, we prepare your tooth to receive its new crown. This involves some drilling to give the tooth a uniform shape.
- After the tooth is prepared, we take impressions of your teeth and send them to the dental lab.
- This serves as guide to our highly skilled lab technicians, who ensure that your new crown is designed to enhance your smile and function.
- At the second visit, permanent crown will be attached to your tooth.
BRIDGE
Fixed Bridge
- It replaces 2 or more teeth of functional and cosmetic importance to the patient.
- Rarely, prevents tooth movement and improves occlusal stability.
Creating a Bridge
- Crowns can be used to create a life like replacement for a missing tooth.
- This is done with a bridgework, which spans the space of missing tooth and requires at least 3 crowns.
- The 2 crowns placed over healthy teeth become support for a 3rd crown placed between them.
- If more than 1 tooth is missing, more teeth will be needed to bridge the gap in between.
How long does the bridge last in our mouth?
This is the most commonly asked question.
- Dental bridges can last 5-15 years and even longer.
- With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.
Various Options Available For Crowns And Bridges
PFM Crown
These are full cast crowns which has porcelain on most or all parts of the tooth.
- Most preferred
- Easily matches colour of adjacent tooth.
- Underlying metal provides stability and strength to the crown.
- High long term success rate.
They are trusted not only by the patients but also by the dentists all over the globe.
Metal Crown
There are other materials besides porcelain that we can use to make dental crowns, depending on what qualities are most important.
- For durability, cast metal can’t be beaten.
- However, it is not the most esthetic choice, especially towards the front of the mouth.
Full Ceramic Crown
Touted as one of the most esthetic restoration available today.
- Excellent long term stability.
- No allergic potential.
- Exceptional marginal fit.
- Lifelike translucency.
Caring For Your Crowns & Bridgework
- It requires the same conscientious care as your natural teeth.
- Be sure to brush and floss between all your teeth- restored and natural to reduce the build up of dental plaque.
- When you have crowns, it is even more important to maintain your regular schedule of cleanings at dental office.
- If you have a grinding habit, wearing a night guard would be a good idea to protect your teeth.