A prosthesis is an artificial substitute that replaces a missing body part, and here we deal with teeth. It's the science that deals with artificially functional teeth involving replacing missing soft and hard adjoining structures.
How do I replace my missing tooth?
Dentures
What is it?
A denture is a removable appliance that is designed to replace one or more missing teeth.
Who needs it?
Dentures are indicated in the following cases:
- They are used to replace one or more missing teeth.
- In a compromised state of existing teeth or general health
- For individuals without any teeth, complete dentures are suggested.
The 3 removable options are
The 2 fixed options are
Cap/Crown/Bridge
What is it?
- A cap or crown is a customized, tooth-like covering fabricated in the dental laboratory.
- A cap or crown is a single-unit prosthesis that is cemented or bonded onto a prepared tooth.
- A bridge is a multi-unit prosthesis that is designed to replace one or more missing teeth by preparing the adjacent (abutment) tooth surfaces.
Who needs a crown or a cap?
Caps or crowns are indicated in the following situations:
- Root canal-treated tooth
- Badly broken down tooth
- To raise a bite
Who needs bridges?
Bridges are indicated when one or more teeth are absent and the patient opts for a fixed option but does not or cannot get an implant.
Types of Crowns/Bridges
1. Metal
2. Metal-ceramic
3-Full Ceramic (Metal Free Ceramics)
4. E-max
Which is the best crown ?
The best crown for a particular tooth depends on
– what is expected out of it, esthetics or function
– status of the existing tooth, the spaces and forces around it
– prognosis of the tooth
It’s not a “one shoe fits all” approach.