Information about dental prosthetics
Dental crown
A crown is a type of dental restoration that does not replace missing teeth but rather covers and protects a damaged tooth. A crown is needed when there is a significant loss of tooth structure or when the location of the damage makes it impossible to repair with a filling. In such cases, a crown provides a durable solution. To create a crown, the dentist removes a thin layer from all surfaces of the tooth and then takes an impression. In our clinic, this impression is taken digitally using an intraoral scanner. Afterward, our dental technician designs the crown using a design program, mills it from zirconia, and performs the final finishing. Finally, the dentist secures the crown onto the prepared tooth using the appropriate material. In our clinic, we also offer chairside crowns, which are designed and fabricated by the dentist using a milling machine or 3D printer. These crowns are typically ready the same day.
Types of dental prosthetics:
Unfortunately, different types of dental prosthetics cannot be made for every arrangement of missing teeth due to mechanical and biological reasons. Therefore, it is very important that before you decide to get a dental prosthesis, you come to a consultation with our dentists, where they will discuss the possible solutions with you and provide a personalized quote.
Bridge
In cases of tooth loss where the gap is bordered by a suitable abutment tooth on both sides, we have the option to create a bridge. The dentist prepares the abutment teeth by reducing them, similar to the process described for crowns. However, it is crucial that the two abutment teeth are parallel to each other by the end of the process. Afterward, an impression is taken, based on which the dental technician will create the bridge. You can imagine the bridge as if a crown is being placed on each abutment tooth, but the crowns are connected to each other, and this connecting part replaces the missing teeth.
Therapeutic bridge
For more extensive bridge restorations, a therapeutic bridge is an essential step in the dental restoration process. The abutment teeth are prepared as if the final restoration is being made, but the bridge is made from a material called poly (methyl methacrylate), or PMMA for short. This is a special, hard dental plastic, though not as hard as the final prosthesis. Patients wear this temporary bridge for a few months, during which time the chewing surfaces can wear in according to the patient’s individual chewing patterns. Afterward, the worn surface is scanned again, and the dental technician creates the final restoration based on this scan, reducing the likelihood of future issues with the prosthesis. Aesthetics are not compromised, as the color and design of the therapeutic bridge match those of the final restoration. These restorations are ready the day after the tooth preparation is completed.
Temporary crown
These are necessary when preparing teeth for either a crown or bridge, as the prepared surface must be protected until the final restoration is completed. Without this protection, the patient would experience significant sensitivity and pain. Temporary crowns are made from a type of dental plastic or filling material.
Fiber-reinforced (Ribbond) bridge
Among dental prosthetics, this type of restoration is completed the fastest. A minimal amount of material, no more than what would be removed for a filling, is taken from the two adjacent teeth bordering the gap. Between these teeth, a fiber reinforcement is placed and secured with a filling material. The prosthetic is then built up using this filling material. This type of dental restoration is durable and aesthetically pleasing. Its speed comes from the fact that the dentist constructs the prosthesis directly in the mouth, meaning that a patient arriving with a missing tooth can leave with a replacement in place. It is easy to repair, so if anything happens to the prosthesis, it can be quickly fixed. It can even be created immediately after tooth extraction, offering a fast solution, for instance, if a front tooth needs to be removed.
Dental implant
A dental implant is essentially an artificial root implanted into the jawbone to support dental prosthetics. Thanks to implants, even in cases of complete tooth loss, we can create fixed prosthetics and easily address end-to-end gaps. For these types of prosthetics, consultation is especially important, as bone availability, overall health, and medications taken all influence whether the implant can be placed. The procedure is relatively time-consuming because after tooth extraction, a 3-4 month healing period is required for the area to ossify, and after the implant is placed, another 3-4 months are needed before the implant can bear load.
Removable, plate dentures (prostheses)
This solution is chosen in cases of complete or near-complete tooth loss. The artificial teeth and gums are positioned on a base plate, which rests on the edentulous jawbone. In the case of the upper jaw, the prosthesis is held in place by vacuum, while in the lower jaw, it is mainly secured by gravity and the stabilizing effect of the muscles. If a few teeth remain, it is possible to secure the prosthesis with clasps. Over time, the edentulous jawbone may change, and if the fit is no longer adequate, relining may be necessary. In such cases, a soft denture base material is applied to the side of the denture facing the gums, and it is placed back in the mouth to adapt to the new shape of the jawbone.
Cleaning of dental prosthetics
A common misconception is that dentures do not need to be cleaned, but both plaque and tartar can accumulate on them. Whether for full-arch bridges or bridges on implants, it is important to have tartar removed every six months or annually, and to brush with the correct technique. For bridges, it is also essential to clean the area under the replacement teeth, between the bridge and the gums, using an interdental brush or superfloss. Our staff will be happy to demonstrate the proper technique for you. For removable prosthetics, it is important to clean them at least twice a day, as bacteria and minerals from saliva can accumulate on their surface. Denture cleaning tablets only disinfect and loosen deposits, so it is important to clean the entire denture twice daily using a small brush and toothpaste or denture cleaner.
At-home oral care
At-home oral care is very important because it helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as it is gentle on the gums while effectively cleaning the teeth. When brushing, be sure to move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions, and don't just clean the surface of the teeth (as it is self-cleaning), but also clean along the gumline at a 45-degree angle! It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.
It's advisable to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it strengthens the enamel and protects the teeth against cavities. Cleaning between the teeth is also important, as these areas are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Use dental floss or an interdental brush once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth! Mouthwash is not a mandatory part of daily oral care, but it can be very helpful in cases of persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste. Be sure to choose an alcohol-free mouthwash, as alcohol can dry out and irritate the mucous membranes!
