Dr.Sathya's Dental Care & Implant Centre Koramangala Bangalore

Fixed Artificial Teeth

By taking care of dental problems immediately, you minimize the risk of future problems.

This is the art of replacing missing natural teeth with artificial teeth, which are just as functional and esthetical as your natural teeth. With recent developments in dentistry, a number of alternatives are available to replace missing teeth, ranging from traditional dentures to crowns and bridges and even dental implants. It is essential to restore lost teeth as early as possible with something that closely resembles your teeth.

Dental Crowns

A crown restores the damaged tooth and mimics the size, shape and color of the original tooth.

They are indicated for fractured and worn out teeth; to protect teeth that have been filled by root canal treatment; to provide extra support for bridges; and to cover poorly shaped or discolored teeth.

They on an average last for five to eight years, but can even last much longer if proper oral hygiene is maintained

The tooth to be crowned is prepared (i.e. reduction of the tooth size) followed by an impression of the tooth, being obtained. This reduction of the tooth is required to build room for the crown to be fixed. The impression taken is then sent to a laboratory where expert technicians will fabricate the crown. In the meanwhile, a temporary crown is made and fixed on top of the reduced tooth.

Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal or newer restorative materials like metal-free ceramics.

Types of dental crowns

All Resin – These are normally used for temporary coverage. However they do not last long like other types of crowns because they are not very fracture resistant.

All Metal – This includes gold alloy and other base metal alloys. Metal crowns are the toughest. They rarely break or chip and can resist daily wear and tear. The only disadvantage is that they look like metal and not a natural tooth.

Ceramic fused to Metal – They merge the strength of the metal along with the esthetics of porcelain. Although the porcelain is somewhat more prone to chipping, they are still tough. They are the most commonly used crowns now.

All Ceramic – These crowns are best esthetically and have the advantage of being ‘metal free’. This is a big advantage even for subsequent scan in the face and head region since it does not produce ‘scatter’ during CT scans.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge restores missing teeth by "bridging" the space between two existing teeth. The crowns are fixed over the remaining teeth to hold the false tooth in place.

When teeth are only on one side of the space, cantilever bridges can be given. Cantilever bridge consists of two or more side-by-side crowns and only one is fixed over the prepared natural teeth.

To design a bridge, the reshaping of the abutment tooth or teeth is done to make space for the crowns. Then the mold of the teeth is made. This mold is then sent to a laboratory, where the crowns and bridge are made.

They prevent the nearby teeth from moving or shifting in the oral cavity and also stabilize the bite of a patient with missing one or more teeth.

Unlike partial dentures, bridges are fixed; patients need not remove them. The lost tooth is replaced with an artificial one attached between two crowns, and is permanently cemented onto the adjacent teeth.

DENTAL IMPLANT

Dental Implants are artificial substitutes for natural tooth-roots. When teeth are lost, implants are used to anchor artificial teeth to the underlying jawbone and hence closely mimic the natural dentition. They make it possible for people who cannot or will not wear a conventional denture to have very firm, stable and attractive teeth. It is usually made of titanium which is a biocompatible material i.e. our body accepts the metal comfortably and does not reject it. Titanium has a well-documented track record of more than 40 years. Implants can replace one or more or all teeth. It is an alternative to conventional techniques such as bridges to replace missing teeth.

Removable Artificial Teeth

Removable Partial Dentures:

Removable partial dentures replace teeth lost due to decay, periodontal disease or injury. They replace the missing teeth, utilizing the remaining teeth to support and secure the removable partial denture. Removable partial dentures are a functional, esthetic and cost-effective means of tooth replacement. They can be removed to clean the denture or the remaining natural teeth. They are different types of removable dentures like:

● Cast partial denture

● Acrylic partial denture

● Flexible partial denture

Complete Dentures:

Complete dentures replace teeth when all upper and/or lower teeth are missing. They restore the function of eating, restore proper facial esthetics and help people talk properly. Lower dentures, though more difficult, can restore proper function and comfort. Dental implants stabilize the lower denture better!

FAQ

Why should I replace missing teeth?

The most important reason is Appearance. The next important reason is if the lost teeth are not replaced at the earliest the teeth adjacent to the teeth lost lean towards each other and the teeth from the opposing jaw will get elongated more . This will cause disturbance in the bite and many a times pain at the TM Joint. This situation may also lead to gum diseases

How are missing teeth replaced?

The best way of replacing the missing teeth is by fixing an Implant. The presence of Implant in the jaw where teeth missing keeps the bone and gums very healthy. Anything in the mouth that do not require removal on and off gives the Best Quality of Life. If implants are given no need to grind two good teeth for fixed dentures.

The next best way is fixed Bridges taking support from the two or more adjacent teeth. Good quality Ceramic bridges give near natural looks and comfort.

The final way is to give removable dentures which has a lot of its drawbacks and not very comfortable but cost effective and sometimes given as an intermediary before implants or final bridges are provided.

Why do I need a full-mouth X-ray?

It's very important for us to be able to have a clear and full picture regarding the condition of your teeth and jaws before treatment. It's for this reason that almost every treatment we perform requires a full mouth X-ray. With it, we can determine the health of your natural teeth, and of the supporting bone structure. Having a complete picture of your dental health allows us to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Will dentures change the way I look?

Your new dentures will fill out your cheeks and support your lips. They may even improve the look of your smile and add fullness to your facial appearance. With your valuable input, your dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change in your appearance will be noticeable.

Will I be able to eat with my dentures?

Initially eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you feel you can return to your normal diet. Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells.

What's the difference between immediate dentures, conventional dentures and an over-denture?

Immediate dentures are inserted immediately following the removal of teeth. The advantage is that the wearer can avoid an embarrassing phase without teeth during the healing period. However, changes in the oral tissues during the first six months following the removal of teeth may require resurfacing of the denture to improve its fit.

Conventional dentures are made and inserted after all the teeth are removed and the tissues have healed completely. The healing period though variable, takes about 3 – 4 months.

Healthy teeth can support dentures better. The prepared teeth provide stability and support for the “Over-denture” and their preservation slows down irreversible changes in the oral tissues.

What is the alternative to a partial denture?

The main alternative is a fixed bridge. This is made by putting crowns on the teeth at either side of the space, and then joining these two crowns together by placing a false tooth in the space. This is all made in the laboratory and then the pieces are cemented into place with special adhesives. The bridge can’t be removed.

Can I always have a bridge to replace missing teeth?

A Bridges are only possible if you have enough strong teeth with good bone support. We can advise you on what is best for you.

What are bridges made of?

Bridges usually made of porcelain bonded to metal. There are also new bridges made entirely of a special type of strong porcelain. (see images)

What is a crown?

A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap’.

Why would I need a crown?

Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance:

• you may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth

• you may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect it

• it may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.

What is a post crown?

In root-filled teeth it may be necessary to insert a post before placing a crown. A post provides support and helps the crown stay in place. The post is placed into the root canal and cemented in position, ready for the crown to be attached.

Are there any alternatives to post crowns for root-filled teeth?

If a root-filled tooth is not completely broken down, it may be possible to build it up again using filling material. This ‘core’ is then prepared in the same way as a natural tooth and the impressions are taken.

How long does treatment for crowns take?

You will need to make at least two visits: the first for the preparation of the tooth, impression, shade taking and fitting the temporary crown; and the second to fit the permanent crown. The second appointment is scheduled based on the laboratory time required for fabrication of the crowns.

Does it hurt to have a tooth prepared for a crown?

No. A local anaesthetic is used, if necessary and the preparation should feel no different from a filling. If the tooth does not have a nerve, and a crown is being prepared, then a local anaesthetic may not be needed.

How do I care for my crown?

How long your crown lasts depends on how well you look after it. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. Therefore, it is important to keep this area just as clean as you would your natural teeth in order to prevent decay affecting the crown.