Probably one of the disciplines that most patients face when they go to the dentist. From our point of view, however, it would be ideal for prosthetic works not to be the first step in the patient’s relationship with the dentist, which is why the medical staff at Dental Implant puts a lot of emphasis on prophylaxis.
The prosthetic works aim at both the morpho-functional and the aesthetic restoration of the dento-maxillary apparatus. In other words, an aesthetic work is not acceptable without a full morpho-functional role, but also vice versa. And here comes one of the values of Dental Implant: namely the functioning of the patient-doctor-nurse team, which must communicate correctly and openly discuss, from the beginning, the expectations and purpose of any work.
By prosthetic structures we mean:
- Facet
- Crowns
- Inlays
- Bridge
- Mobilizable prostheses
It is important to know some principles that we apply in Dental Implant offices, regardless of the prosthetic treatment:
– during a treatment, in order to ensure both the patient’s physiognomy and the functionality of the dento-maxillary apparatus, we will perform temporary works in the office or in the laboratory;
– to eliminate pain and operating stress, treatments are performed using loco-regional anesthesia techniques;
– in the case of teeth with endodontic treatment (removal of the nerve and obstruction of the canal) the prosthetic crown is recommended to improve the physiognomy but especially to increase the strength and longevity of the tooth.
But let’s take them one at a time:
Dental veneers (Veneers)
Although they are known as prosthetic restorations used to improve the appearance of teeth, the indications of veneers are multiple, starting with abnormalities of color, shape, space, cracks, trauma, etc.
They are made of ceramic, and thus have the ability to give a natural look, translucency and brightness. That is, the result obtained has an excellent aesthetic. An advantage of veneers is the type of minimally invasive preparation – or even no preparation (also called ”no prep”) – and the result is the preservation of the dental substance.
Dental crowns are prosthetic structures made in the case of teeth that have lost their integrity and aim to restore physiognomy, increase the strength and functionality of the tooth in question. The crowns can be made of a variety of materials: integral ceramic, zirconium oxide ceramic, integral zirconium, or metal ceramic. It is fixed on teeth or implants by cementation/screwing.
Inlays are indirect prosthetic restorations made of ceramic in the dental laboratory and are the most accurate and long-lasting option for restoring teeth with extensive carious lesions. During a treatment, in order to ensure the patient’s physiognomy but also the functionality of the dento-maxillary apparatus, we perform temporary works, on the spot, in the office. In the case of teeth with endodontic treatment (ie those in which it was necessary to remove the nerve and seal the canal), a prosthetic crown is recommended, to improve the physiognomy but especially to increase the strength and longevity of the tooth.
The bridges are fixed to the teeth or implants by cementation or screwing. They can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. They have a natural look and can be made of a variety of materials: ceramic on zirconium oxide support, integral zirconium or ceramic on metal support. Another option for replacing missing teeth is the dental implant, which is the most effective solution in most cases.
Mobilizable prostheses are prosthetic works that restore the integrity of the dental arches, the height of the lower floor of the face, improve the facial appearance and masticatory function.
In the case of low stability of mobilizable prostheses due to advanced resorption of bone ridges, there is the possibility of using dental implants as stabilizing elements. Implant overprosthesis provides patients with extra comfort and aesthetics, while increasing the ability to chew.
But a substantial benefit for totally edentulous patients is the complete reconstruction of dental arches, with the help of fixed works on implants.
