CROWN & BRIDGEWORK - FIXED PROSTHODONTICS
CROWNS
Where there is sufficient remaining tooth structure for a ceramic veneer or onlay a crown is usually the most conservative restoration of choice. When much of the enamel and dentine of the tooth has been destroyed by decay or lost through trauma a full coverage ceramic crown is the stronger more aesthetic, restoration. An endodontically treated tooth (root canal therapy) may be better protected with a crown. In situations of higher force porcelain may be bonded to gold for a stronger more durable restoration. In cases where there is insufficient room for porcelain or extreme force such as on second molar teeth gold is the material of choice.
Below are examples of different types of crowns. Ceramic crowns on the incisors, canines and premolars; porcelain fused to gold crowns on the molars; gold crowns on the second molars.
When there is insufficient tooth structure remaining, a cast gold post and core can be used to strengthen the tooth and support and retain a crown.
BRIDGEWORK
A dental bridge can be made to replace a missing tooth or teeth by attaching a splinted restoration to the teeth on either side of the gap. In this case a four unit bridge replaces two missing incisor teeth.
BRIDGEWORK VERSUS DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants can now replace missing teeth without the need to prepare the teeth on either side of the gap. However, in many situations a bridge is a preferred treatment to dental implants. For example, if the adjacent teeth themselves are heavily filled or decayed and need to be crowned or if they are loose and need to be splinted together. If there is insufficient bone for implants or medical considerations that preclude implants or surgery. In many situations, for example when there is a bony defect,
a more aesthetic result can be obtained with a bridge than with a dental implant. Each case must be judged on its own merits. A consultation with a prosthodontic specialist is worthwhile when you are considering replacing missing teeth.