1. Fixed Dental Prosthetics
There have been significant advances in the field of dental implants, along with a considerable reduction in their cost compared to the past. There are two main approaches to dental implant treatment:
- The first approach: This is suitable for replacing front teeth, where the dental crown can be placed immediately after implant placement.
- The second approach: A healing period of approximately 3 to 6 months is allowed between implant placement and the fitting of the final crown.
2. Dental Crowns and Bridges
A dental crown is placed after root canal treatment or when the remaining tooth structure has become severely weakened due to extensive decay or a fractured tooth.
- Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth by placing crowns on the adjacent teeth to support the artificial tooth or teeth.
- There are several types of dental crowns, including metal-free porcelain crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and cast metal crowns.
- Some patients may experience mild sensitivity to cold foods and drinks for a few weeks following the placement of a crown or bridge.
3. Removable Dental Prosthetics and Dentures
Removable dental prostheses may be recommended when fixed dental restorations are not suitable due to medical or financial considerations. They are a medically effective treatment option; however, they require an adjustment period and special care to maintain their cleanliness and protect the health of the surrounding teeth.
There are two main types of removable dentures:
- Metal dentures
- Acrylic dentures
From a medical perspective, metal dentures are generally considered superior in terms of design, stability, and durability.
Caring for Removable Dentures
- It may take several weeks to become fully accustomed to wearing removable dentures.
- At first, the denture may feel unusually large or bulky. This sensation usually subsides by the end of the first week.
- You may experience some difficulty pronouncing certain sounds initially. Reading aloud for extended periods during the first few days can help you adapt more quickly.
- If the denture causes pain or discomfort, your dentist can adjust it. Do not attempt to adjust the denture yourself.
- Once you have become accustomed to the denture, it should be removed while sleeping and kept immersed in water.
- Clean the denture after every meal using a medium-bristle toothbrush. Mild hand soap may also be used. Take care not to drop the denture while cleaning it.
- Over time, the denture may require adjustment or refitting to maintain a proper fit and function.
Modern Dental Prosthetics
Modern dental restorations offer exceptional precision and speed through advanced CAD/CAM technology. Using a three-dimensional intraoral camera, digital impressions can be captured without the need for traditional dental impression materials, allowing the restoration to be designed and fabricated within the same appointment.
- Modern dental restorations can be fabricated from metal-free E-max ceramic blocks, which are precisely milled using computer-controlled technology to achieve a highly natural appearance that closely resembles the patient’s natural teeth.
- Long-span bridges can be fabricated from high-strength zirconia, providing excellent durability and strength. In many cases, these restorations can be completed and fitted within 48 hours.
