Teeth may become loosen and fall out or need extraction if they are having severe dental problems. If the missing tooth is not replaced, the surrounding bone will have resorption with time. Therefore the later the problem is treated, the more severe the problem will be.
There are mainly 3 ways to replace missing teeth: Dental Implants, Dental Bridges, and Dentures. They all have pros and cons, Dentists will advise the most suitable option for patients based on their medical and dental conditions, time and budget considerations.
The choice of Prosthodontic Treatment is based on different patient’s medical and dental conditions, and the patient's own considerations such as time and budget. It is necessary to have consultation with Dentist for a full assessment before making the most suitable decision.
Removable Dentures are removable prostheses for replacement of missing teeth without any surgery needed.
Dental Bridges are fixed prostheses used to replace one or more teeth. The teeth adjacent to the missing tooth / teeth will need to be grinded smaller for the Dental Bridge to be cemented onto.
Dental Crowns are fixed prosthesis to protect severely broken down teeth, restore teeth shape or conceal teeth with discolourations.
When there are multiple teeth being extracted or lost due to caries, periodontal disease or trauma, Removable Denture can be considered. The material and method used nowadays for Removable Dentures are much improved, and the wearing comfortability has also been greatly enhanced. If patients can adapt to wearing Removable Dentures well, it will help with the followings:
Removable Dentures mainly to be retained intraorally by oral muscle control by cheek and tongue.
Removable Denturesare mainlydivided into 2 types:Partial Removable Dentures and Complete Removable Dentures. Partial Removable Dentures are for patients still having healthy teeth for support of dentures, while Complete Removable Dentures are for fully edentulous patients. Removable Dentures are relatively economical, but it takes time for patients to get used to them. Besides, Removable Dentures need to be adjusted from time to time, according to change in oral condition. For example, if more teeth are lost, the removable denture will have to be modified or remade.
Partial Removable Dentures are for patients who still have some healthy teeth for support of dentures. These Dentures are made using metal hooks over adjacent healthy teeth to hold the dentures in place.
Complete Removable Dentures are for edentulous patients, These Dentures mainly rely on the oral muscles to hold the Denture in place. They are made mainly by acrylic resins, with colours of the teeth and gum to restore aesthetics for patients.
Overdentures:An overdenture is a denture, the base of which covers one or more teeth, prepared roots or implants.An overdenture is usually used for elderly patients that have lost some teeth but not all, rendering them suitable for a set of full dentures. The overdenture is not rigid in the mouth; it is removable.
Supported by Dental Implants, Complete Removable Dentures can have better stability at a lower cost when compared to full-mouth Dental Implant Treatment. Generally speaking, for edentulous patient, 4 Implants will be needed over upper jaw and 2 Implants will be needed over lower jaw. They are connected to the Denture by ball and socket joints or magnets, hence greatly reduce the movement during eating, improving masticatory ability and comfortability.
If you have lost only 1-2 teeth, and want to have a fixed prosthesis other than Dental Implant, this will be an option. But if you have more than 2 teeth missing, other options should be considered.
Dental Bridges are one of the cost-effective way to replace missing tooth, it is fixed and more comfortable than Removable Dentures. Generally speaking, Dental Bridges can be used for about 10-15 years, but their lifespan may be shorten due to many oral factors. Also the grinded teeth on both sides may have problems with time, if the Dental Bridge is not taken good care of after placement.
Dentist will evaluate the condition of adjacent teeth, to see if they are healthy enough to withstand the occlusal force for Dental Bridge support. Number of missing teeth is also a consideration, if the Dental Bridge is too long, the occlusal force over support teeth may be too big, and problems may occur.
With X-ray and Intraoral scanning, Dentist can have a detailed examination of patient’s oral condition, and discuss treatment plan with patient
Dentist will grind the teeth adjacent to missing tooth at required shape, then take dental records with Intraoral Scanning for Dental Bridge manufacturing
When the tailor-made Dental Bridge is done, and after fitting trial, the Dental Bridge will be cemented by Dentist
Dental Crowns are fixed prosthesis to protect severely broken down teeth, restore teeth shape or conceal teeth with discolourations.
Dental Crowns can be taken care of by routine oral care. Patients need to maintain good oral hygiene in order to avoid gingivitis, gum recession or caries. Also try to avoid hard food to prevent Dental Crown fracture or chipped.
Full Metal Crowns rarely chip or fracture and can withstand high occlusal force. But its metallic colour affects aesthetics and can only be used for posterior teeth such as molars
Full Porcelain Crowns look similar to natural teeth. However, they are not as strong as Metal Crowns. They are often used for anterior teeth, for best aesthetic effect. Also, as the material is thick, the underlying tooth needs to be grinded more to allow fitting of the crown.
Ceramometal Crowns, also known as Porcelain-fused-to-Metal Crowns, have Porcelain bond onto the surface of Metal base. They have better aesthetics than Full Metal Crowns, and are stronger than Full Porcelain Crowns. However, the metal beneath the Porcelain cap may be visible as a dark line along the gum margin. It can be used for both anterior and posterior teeth.
With X-ray and Intraoral scanning, Dentist can have a detailed examination of patient’s oral condition, and discuss treatment plans with patient
Dentist will grind the teeth at required shape, then take dental records with Intraoral Scanning for Dental Crown manufacturing
After the tailor-made Dental Crown is made, Dentist will do fitting trial on patient’s tooth
After fitting trial, if everything is good, the Dental Crown will be cemented by Dentist
Prosthodontic Treatment helps patients to regain aesthetics and the pleasure of eating. The type of treatment needed depends on the patient's dental and medical conditions. Should you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact us.
Conrad Dental Care Centre provides comprehensive dental treatments by professional dental team, using high-end dental equipment and instruments.
