As the name suggests this branch deals with dental prosthesis or artificial teeth |
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There are many reasons why it's important to replace the teeth that are lost:
When teeth are lost, the area of the jawbone that held those teeth starts to erode. Over time, you can lose so much bone that your jaw may not be able to support an implant or a denture that fits properly. |
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It can afeect ones chewing capacity and ultimately the digesion. People with very few teeth therefore can have stomach and other health problems |
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The loss of teeth can change ones teeth relationship. This change can lead to problems in the joints of the lower jaw. It can also affect ones speech as well as daily routine. |
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| If only a few teeth are lost, they can be replaced by |
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Removable partial denture, which can be made in acrylic or metal;
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Fixed partial denture, which can be made in metal or ceramic;
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Implant supported crowns or bridge.
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| If all the teeth are lost, they can be replaced by |
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Dental Bridges |
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A dental bridge is a method to replace the lost tooth . Dental bridge is a custom-made artificial tooth or teeth, which is permanently fixed over the adjacent teeth.The bridge is held in place by crowns placed on the healthy teeth on each side of the tooth that is lost. |
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Benefits - |
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- Restores ones smile
- Restores ones chewing ability
- Directs the chewing forces in by replacing missing teeth
- It stops side teeth from moving in the empty space.
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Types of Dental Bridges |
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Conventional bridges |
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Conventional bridges need a crown for the tooth on the either side of the lost tooth, with an artificial tooth in between. These are the most common type of bridge. |
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Maryland bridges |
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Maryland bridges are attached with a metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge are fixed to the back of existing teeth. Modification of the adjacent supporting teeth is not necessary. However these bridges are not as strong as the conventional ones and can get dislodged under excessive pressure. |
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| There are three basic types of materials for dental bridges: |
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- Porcelain fused to metal dental bridges
- All porcelain dental bridges
- All metal dental bridges
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The all porcelain dental bridges and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) dental bridges are tooth colored bridges. PFM dental bridges are usually used to restore back teeth(molars), where the forces of chewing and grinding are strongest. All porcelain dental bridges are the most aesthetic and are used almost exclusively for front teeth where the need for strength is not as critical. All-metal dental bridges are durable and offer a precise fit. They also do not chip but are non-cosmetic and cannot be used for the front teeth. |
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Crowns |
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These are the prosthesis which cover the entire tooth that is visible in the mouth. These are especially used for the teeth with wide gaps or extreamly small teeth. Crowns are also made routinely for the teeth that are treated with root canal therapy |
This needs reduction of the natural tooth from all sides to accomadate the crown.You may experience sensetivity while reduction of the crown which can be easily releived by local anesthesia. |
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Crowns are made of - |
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Metal alloys…… These are not desirable for front teeth as it has metallic appearance. However they are durable and are relatively inexpensive. |
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Metal with composite facing -These are cosmetically accepted as the front surface of the crown is covered with tooth coloured composite material. But they are not durable as the coating may ware out with some ammount of force and can also it get discoloured over a period of time |
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Metal with porcelain(PFM) – These are metal crowns which are completely covered with porcelain of the best cosmetic shade. Thsese are cosmetically well accepted and durable. |
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Metal free ceramic -These crowns are have tooth coloured allumium or zirconium oxide as their inner core. Therefore these are the best option when cosmetics are concerned. They are mainly used for front teeth.We are using them as first priority in front teeth especially when the teeth are vital(not treated with RCT). |
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Metal free porcelain(pure ceramic) crown |
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| Complete Dentures |
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If all the teeth are lost complete dentures can replace all the missing teeth and one’s smile. Replacing missing teeth benefits one’s appearance and oral health. Without support from teeth the cheeks sag, making people look older. One can speak and chew better with dentures.. |
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A set of Complete Denture |
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Procedure for Preperation of Conventional Dentures |
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1}Evaulation and mouth preparation
2}Making the dentures
Once the gums are healed and healthy, impressions of the mouth are taken.
The wax rims (gum substitute) is used to determine the height and the correct position of the jaw and teeth
Teeth are then set in the wax for a "trial" set of denture
Trial waxed dentures
trial dentures are modified according to the findings
Fitting of final dentures after fabrication and polish |
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Once the dentures are placed, the patient will need time to adjust to the new teeth. While patients can speak normally within a few hours, they may experience minor discomfort when eating or chewing. This discomfort may last from several days to a few weeks. It is advisable that patients with new dentures should eat soft foods tiil they become comfortable with chewing. |
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Care for Dentures |
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- Dentures should be removed at night to give the gums a rest and to reduce the pressure on the underlying bone or as directed by your dentist
- Regular denture care includes brushing your denture with a denture brush and a denture paste after eating. Dentures can collect plaque and food stains
- Keep your dentures in water to avoid drying out and distorting.
- Dentures can and may break if dropped onto a hard surface, thus becareful when handling them.
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Overdentures |
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Sometimes the canine teeth, if healthy, are retained as roots and are treated with root canal treatment. The roots are then fitted with posts that are inserted in the center of these roots that have tiny round projections outside.The Dentures have rubber lined holes that fit exactly over these projections from the roots. This gives dentures a very good stability and fit. These dentures which fit over the modified roots are called “Overdetures”. These are possible in people who have healthy canine teeth |
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| Implant Dentures |
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Implants are inserted in the jawbones at strategic locations. These carry a round attachment over them, which locks the dentures from beneath, similer to overdentures.Ususally four implants are sufficient in either jaw. |
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