Prosthodontic Solutions for Complex Cases

Prosthodontics is a type of dental care that focuses on restoring and replacing damaged or missing teeth. It uses special devices to improve how your mouth works and looks. For people with complex dental issues, fixed prosthodontics offers a range of options. “Fixed” means that the devices are permanent and you can’t remove them. If you have a difficult dental problem, there are many solutions that can help you get your smile back and restore your oral health.

Prosthodontic Solutions for Complex Cases

Crowns

Crowns are a common treatment used to cover and protect damaged teeth. They help restore the size, shape, and strength of a tooth while also improving its appearance. Crowns can consist of metal, porcelain, or a combination of both. Dentists often use crowns to repair severely damaged or decayed teeth, especially after root canal treatment.

Dental implants also use crowns to replace lost teeth. Crowns can also individually cover misshapen or discolored teeth.

The crown process starts by preparing the tooth. This involves removing part of the outer layer to make room for the crown. After this, the dentist takes an impression of the tooth, which they use to create a custom crown that fits perfectly.

A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is being made. Once ready, the dentist permanently cements the crown in place, giving you a strong and natural-looking tooth.

Bridges

A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural teeth next to the gap. Bridges help restore the ability to chew and speak properly and maintain the natural shape of your face. They also prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of place, which can happen when teeth are missing. Bridges can help bring back a full, natural-looking smile.

To place a bridge, the dentist first prepares the teeth on either side of the gap by removing some of the enamel. The dentist will take an impression to create a custom bridge that fits just right. A temporary bridge will protect the teeth while the permanent one is being made. Once the permanent bridge is ready, the dentist fits and cements it into place.

Implant-Supported Crowns and Bridges

Implant-supported prosthetics offer a strong, long-lasting solution for missing teeth. Dental implants are small metal posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as replacement tooth roots. These implants provide a stable base for crowns or bridges. They are a great option for people who want a long-term fix for missing teeth and need a secure, strong prosthetic.

The process of getting an implant involves placing the metal post into the jawbone. After the surgery, the bone heals around the implant, making it stable. Once healed, a connector called an abutment is placed on the implant, and a custom-made crown or bridge is attached to the abutment. Implant-supported restorations feel more natural and stable compared to other options because they don’t move around, offering better durability and comfort over time.

Inlays and Onlays

Onlays and inlays are custom-made restorations used to repair teeth that are too damaged for a regular filling but not damaged enough for a crown. Inlays fit inside the grooves of a tooth, while onlays cover one or more of the tooth’s points, called cusps. These restorations are a good option for fixing teeth with moderate decay or damage.

The procedure starts with the dentist removing the decayed or damaged part of the tooth. Next, the dentist takes an impression to create a custom inlay or onlay. Once it’s ready, the dentist bonds the inlay or onlay to the tooth using a strong adhesive. This provides a lasting fix that strengthens the tooth and restores its natural function.

Visit our Plano Dental Office Today

Prosthodontic treatments like crowns, bridges, implant-supported restorations, and inlays or onlays can solve many complex dental problems. These solutions not only restore the look of your smile but also improve how your teeth work. With these treatments, patients can enjoy stronger, more stable teeth that look natural and feel comfortable. If you have damaged or missing teeth, Dr. Sara Chen has many options to help restore your smile and improve your overall dental health.