Prosthodontics deals with replacing missing tooth/teeth and associated soft and hard structures. Common Replacements may be Removable Dentures,  Fixed Dentures, or maybe supported or retained by implants.

• Removable Dentures

Removable Partial Dentures (RPD) – are replacements if not all teeth are missing

Complete Dentures (CD) – are replacements if all teeth are missing

Base Materials for these replacements maybe made of, but not limited to,  acrylic, silicone, metal or combination of metal and acrylic. One advantage of these dentures is it can easily be removed and  cleaned. However, for this to serve its purpose, the patient should use it for eating and must be see his/her dentist regularly so adjustments may be done if  the denture is loose or becomes ill-fitted. 

• Fixed Dentures

Fixed dentures also known as non-removable dentures are coverings or replacements that will feel like natural teeth. It can replace one tooth or more and can not easily be removed. These are custom-made but should follow the shape of the ideal tooth and meant to protect the tooth it covers.  More importantly, it should be functional.

Crown  – it is a covering or a cap that is used for single tooth. It is indicated if the tooth is discolored, cracked  or has loose large fillings.

Fixed Bridge – It is a covering with similar materials with crowns,  that is use to replace missing or extracted tooth or more than one tooth. It may use existing tooth/ teeth near the missing tooth/teeth as anchorage or abutments where they are securely bonded for retention   and stability

Types of Fixed Dentures according to materials may be made of the following(but not limited to) :

• Metal Crowns/bridges – Gold Alloy and its alternatives
  • Non- Metal Crowns – Acrylic Resin or Porcelain
  • Combination of metal and plastic or Prorcelain Fused to Metal

Steps involved in Fixed Denture Fabrication:

• Diagnosis of the involved tooth/teeth and its surrounding structure. There will be visual inspection to check mobility of the tooth/teeth, its integrity, opposing tooth (if present), and  gums should not be swelling. Radiographic inspection is done to check  if there is  root fracture, bone loss, unerupted tooth(teeth). This step will determine the prognosis.
• Impression is taken to make a diagnostic cast or study model
• Tooth Preparation will be done to form or shape  the  involved tooth/teeth  so that crown/bridge to fabricated by the laboratory will fit the prepared tooth/teeth.
• Final impression is taken , shade determined and will be sent to laboratory.
• Ideally, a temporary cover may be placed over the tooth while waiting for the final material.
• When the crown is ready it will be fitted first to allow the patient to check for any uncomfortable  feeling especially when biting and the shade is check as well (Trial Phase)
• Patient will give the Go-signal if everything is okay then the crown/bridge will be cemented over the involved  tooth
• Patient will be given post installation instructions
  
  Watch this video on prosthodontics!

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