Prosthetic Reconstructions

Applying dental prostheses: for healthy, beautiful teeth

Prosthetic reconstruction is the branch of dentistry that deals primarily with replacing damaged or missing teeth for the long term to provide the comfort and aesthetics of healthy teeth again. It can be used to reconstruct overly damaged teeth using fixed prostheses, such as crowns, or removable devices (also known as “removable prostheses” or “dentures”).

The dental surgeons at Smile and Care advise you on the choice of prostheses to determine the ones best suited to your unique needs. This choice is based on several criteria, including the condition of the affected teeth and gums, general oral health, aesthetic choices, and lifestyle.

There are two types of prostheses – fixed and removable – each with unique characteristics.

FIXED PROSTHESES: A PERMANENT AND AESTHETIC SOLUTION

Fixed prostheses can permanently replace either a part of a tooth, or one or more teeth. They ensure a result close to that of normal teeth. These fixed prostheses are not complicated in terms of hygiene, offering both the aesthetics of normal teeth, and optimal chewing comfort.

There are three types of fixed prostheses, each of which is attached to the natural tooth.
These are:

• Crown: a crown artificially reconstructs the crown of the damaged or devitalised tooth. It can be simple or attached to an implanted post that serves as an anchor in the root of the tooth by an abutment. Treatment with a crown can be expensive but it is durable and aesthetic.
• Bridge: a bridge replaces an absent tooth by leaning on adjacent teeth, called “abutment teeth”. The technique used is identical to that for the crown. The materials used in fixed prostheses are metals and ceramics. Depending on the situation, a crown can be metallic, ceramo-metallic, or 100% ceramic.
• Fixed prostheses on implants: a number of different types are available and suitable for each individual case (cement-retained or screwed single crowns, sealed or screwed bridges). The most common case is the replacement of a single missing tooth.

REMOVABLE PROSTHESIS: AN ECONOMICAL AND ADJUSTABLE SOLUTION

A removable prosthesis is exactly that: a prosthesis that can be removed. As a result, it has to be removed and cleaned after every meal. A solution that is both quick and economical, it also has the advantage of being easily repaired. These removable prostheses are also adjustable. Should another tooth fall out, it is possible to add one to the existing device. The removable prosthesis usually replaces several teeth. It can either anchor onto remaining teeth, the gum and mucous membrane, or onto implants.

There are three types of removable prostheses:

• Partial prosthesis with metal framework: this consists of a rigid metal base that rests on the remaining teeth. It is covered with pink resin that supports the prosthetic teeth in the event of the partial or total absence of teeth (edentulism).
• Partial resin prosthesis: used during the adjustment period or during recovery from gum disease, this prosthesis is less stable than those with metal framework and they are not recommended for long-term use.
• Total dental prosthesis: this replaces all the teeth of one or both dental arches. This prosthesis is made of resin, which can be reinforced with a metal framework.

It is worth noting that the retention and comfort of removable prostheses can be significantly improved with one or more implants. These implants are used as anchors using a pressure-button or retention-bar system to “clip” the prosthesis into place.

Removable prostheses must be regularly checked and rebased to fit the oral cavity.