Contrary to general perception, dental dentures, crowns, or bridges are not only for senior citizens. Each year, millions of young and old Americans choose dental prostheses to replace absent, damaged, or missing teeth. If you have a dental problem, you can benefit from crowns & bridges in Frisco and regain your beautiful smile.
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When should you have a dental prosthesis?
Various reasons cause the fitting of a dental prosthesis. A loss of a tooth or extraction can cause dental problems. Examples include gum disease, migraines, premature decay of other teeth, and digestive problems because of insufficient chewing. Also, missing teeth can affect your self-confidence since it is not aesthetically appealing.
Another reason for fitting a dental prosthesis is when your teeth are damaged due to tooth decay. If your tooth is devitalized, it can get a discoloration that can require a dental crown. A missing tooth can increase the risk of cavities and loss of natural tooth movement or grinding.
Examples of dental prosthesis
Your doctor will recommend a crown for an extremely damaged tooth by covering it. An expert will apply a dental veneer to a tooth to give it a beautiful appearance. As the name suggests, a bridge connects a tooth to another by filling space. A specialist will also place a bridge on implants.
Another example of a dental prosthesis is the inlay which restores a damaged tooth due to decay. Your specialist will suggest an inlay where a crown is not possible, and it involves a reconstruction of the internal part of your tooth to cover a broken part.
An implant replaces a damaged part of your tooth, and it serves as a mid-section with the jawbone. Your dentist may use screws to attach the implant to your jaw bone.
Removable dentures are also forms of dental prosthesis and can be partial or complete depending on the teeth replacements.
What materials are used to make dental prosthesis?
The major materials for making dental prosthesis are all-ceramic, all-porcelain, metallic, or a mix of ceramic or porcelain with metal. A metallic prosthesis is not very common for front teeth and is mostly used on the molars. With advancements in dentistry, ceramic and porcelain are more popular and aesthetically appealing since they recreate the natural tooth color.
How is a prosthesis made?
Your dentist starts by examining your teeth and conducts an X-ray. Through this procedure, the specialist can take an impression of the tooth and send it to the lab for molding. A temporary prosthesis may be placed on the tooth and you can go home. During your next appointment, the dentist covers with a permanent prosthesis.
How old should you be for a dental prosthesis?
Dentists do not recommend dental prosthesis for kids below 18 years. The reason being, their jaw bone is not yet fully developed. However, a temporary crown may be recommended for the milk tooth until the bone is mature enough to withstand a complete prosthesis.
Dental prosthesis enables individuals to be confident by restoring a missing tooth or covering up a discoloration. If you feel that a prosthesis is the best option to restore your teeth, book an appointment with an expert at Lone Star Dental Care who will discuss the various techniques to boost your smile.