The fixed dental prosthesis is a common solution to replace missing or damaged teeth. It consists of a dental prosthetic securely fixed in place by a permanent method, which means that it can't be removed by the patient. In this article, we'll look at everything you need to know about fixed dental prostheses, including the different types of fixed dental prostheses, the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the process of placing a fixed dental prosthesis.

Types of Fixed Dental Prostheses

There are two types of fixed dental prostheses: the dental crown and the dental bridge.

The dental crown is a dental prosthetic that is placed on a damaged or broken tooth to protect and strengthen it. It can also be used to improve the appearance of a stained, deformed, or misaligned tooth. Dental crowns can be made from different materials, such as ceramic, metal, and composite resin.

The dental bridge is a dental prosthetic that replaces one or more missing teeth. It is fixed in place using adjacent teeth as pillars. Dental bridges can also be made from different materials, such as ceramic, metal, and composite resin.

If you don't have teeth to support a fixed dental prosthesis such as a crown or bridge, an available alternative is the dental implant-supported prosthesis. Click here to learn more about this tooth replacement option.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fixed Dental Prostheses

Fixed dental prostheses have advantages and disadvantages to consider.

The advantages of fixed dental prostheses include:

• The prosthesis is fixed in place, which means it can't be removed by the patient

• It provides a natural appearance and can be customized to match the color of surrounding teeth

• It can strengthen a damaged or broken tooth and prevent a cavity from spreading

• It can help restore chewing function

The disadvantages of fixed dental prostheses include:

• The fixed dental prosthesis can be more expensive than other treatment options

• It requires preliminary treatment, such as tooth reduction or bridge preparation

• The fixed dental prosthesis may require regular maintenance to ensure longevity

Process of Placing a Fixed Dental Prosthesis

The process of placing a fixed dental prosthesis involves several steps:

1. Dental evaluation: the dentist examines the condition of teeth and gums and determines if a fixed dental prosthesis is the best option.

2. Tooth preparation: if a dental crown or bridge is needed, the dentist prepares the teeth by lightly reducing them to allow the fixed dental prosthesis to fit properly.

3. Impression taking: the dentist takes impressions of your teeth to create an accurate model of your mouth. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of the fixed dental prosthesis.

4. Provisional placement: if necessary, a temporary dental crown or bridge can be placed on the prepared teeth to protect them and improve appearance until the permanent fixed dental prosthesis is ready.

5. Placement of the fixed dental prosthesis: once the permanent fixed dental prosthesis is ready, the dentist securely fixes it in place using a special dental cement.

6. Follow-up and maintenance: after the placement of the fixed dental prosthesis, it's important to follow the dentist's instructions for maintenance and cleaning of the prosthesis. Regular dental examination is also recommended to monitor the health of teeth and gums.

Conclusion

The fixed dental prosthesis is a common option to replace missing or damaged teeth. It can offer many benefits, such as a natural appearance, improved chewing function, and protection against cavities. However, it can also have disadvantages, such as higher costs and regular maintenance. It's important to discuss with your dentist to determine if a fixed dental prosthesis is the best option for your particular case.