| If something unfortunate
happens to your teeth, it is important to consult DR.
PUNEET KATHURIA, Prosthodontist, to minimize the impact
on your entire mouth. Missing teeth can allow the surrounding teeth to
become displaced. Cracked or damaged teeth should be fixed to save as
much of the tooth as possible.
By taking care of dental problems immediately, you minimize the risk
of future problems.
- Crowns fix and protect teeth that are so damaged or
diseased that they need more support than a simple filling.
- Bridges replace missing teeth and offer support for
the surrounding teeth to help retain the integrity of the jaw and face
structure.
Dental Crowns
Crowns, also known as
caps, restore damaged teeth and mimics the shape, size and color of
the surrounding teeth. Crowns
are indicated for cracked teeth and teeth with deep cavities; 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.
Crowns may be made of
metal, porcelain, or newer restorative materials like metal free ceramics.
They are custom-made and fitted for each patient in conformation with
the size and length of the natural teeth. Crowns
typically last five to eight years, but can last much longer with proper
oral hygiene. Crowns can
be made of a variety of materials. They can be made of plastic, ceramic
or metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible
to maximize strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.
The teeth to be crowned are prepared which involves reduction of the
tooth size (usually under local anaesthesia) followed by an impression
or mould of the prepared tooth. This trimming of the tooth is required
to create space for the crown to be fitted. The mould taken is then
sent to a laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate the crown.
In the meanwhile, a temporary crown is made and fitted onto the trimmed
tooth.
Dental Bridges
A bridge stabilizes the
bite of a patient who is missing one or more teeth. Bridges
prevent the surrounding teeth from moving or shifting in the mouth.
A missing tooth that is not replaced may cause surrounding teeth to
become unstable and require removal, compromising oral health or change
the shape of the face and diminish the beauty of a smile.
Unlike partial dentures, bridges
are permanent; patients need not remove them. The missing tooth is replaced
with an artificial tooth connected between two crowns (caps), which
are permanently cemented or bonded on the adjacent teeth.
Bridges can be used
to replace a small number of missing teeth if the neighboring teeth
are sufficiently strong. The number of missing teeth, condition of the
neighboring teeth, condition of the supporting gums and bone are all
important factors which need to be assessed prior to making a bridge.
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