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If the space is left unrestored or untouched after a tooth is extracted, the opposing tooth will grow towards (supra-erupt) the empty space. And the adjacent teeth will try to occupy the missing space by leaning toward the space (drifting). This will lead to difficult management of the missing area later when restoration is rendered such as an implant or a bridge. Thus, the proper management of missing space crucial to maintain a good arch form and to stabilize the remaining teeth. |
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When one of the following is found, the tooth usually needs ‘capping’ or full-coverage crown to protect further damage
- When there is tooth crack,
- When the existing large restoration is diagnosed to be defective,
- When there is recurrent decays underneath existing amalgam, composite or any kind of restorations,
- When the size of decays on a virgin tooth is too large,
- When a tooth (usually a molar or a premolar) is treated with root canal therapy (the nerve was taken out)
- When there is a significant amount of tooth structure lost
Crowns will protect the remaining tooth structure or can bring about esthetically pleasing results |
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- Gold Crown
Gold Crown is non-allergic and bio-compatible. Therefore it is an ideal material of choice for crown. Gold’s tensile character and hardness is very similar to tooth structure
- All Ceramic Crown
It most closely resemble tooth structure in color and shape. |
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- A before and after picture
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- What crown restorations can do
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A tooth is missing à the adjacent teeth are prepped à a bridge is made and bonded to the supporting teeth |
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- Pros and Cons of a bridge restoration
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Pros
Relatively cost- effective
Treatment time is shore (compared to Implant treatment)
Treatment acceptance rate is high since most people know about bridges
Cons
The adjacent teeth need to be shaved to support the missing area
Since the missing area is replaced by a ‘fake’ tooth that does not have a root unlike natural teeth and that is supported by the adjacent teeth, the chewing load it can take is only about 50 – 60% of a natural tooth
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- How to take care of bridge
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Since the bridge is not as strong as a natural tooth, chewing hard foods should be avoided.
For a couple days after the bridge is cemented, tightness can be felt.
Good oral hygiene is an absolutely must to maintain the bridge for long time.
Ceramic bridges are like glass so they are prone to fracture when chewing hard food.
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- Before and After of bridge restorations
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A single, double or three missing teeth in a row can be restored with a bridge or implant or a combination of these two. |
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Gold has a superior material quality and its physical properties are very similar to natural teeth
Gold is neither eroded away nor toxic.
Due to its superior physical properties, it can take the same amount of chewing force as natural teeth.
Large restorations can be done with gold inlays/onlays.
It has an outstanding longevity with good oral hygiene
The only drawback is that gold’s color stands out, which may not be esthetically acceptable to some people. |
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Porcelain is very stable and esthetically superior to gold.
It has good resistance to wear and has good physical properties. |
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