Cast Gold Crowns
Since 1906, this type of tooth restoration has had a prominent position in dentistry. It has become less acceptable in recent years because of high patient demand for "white" teeth. Advantages are as follows:
1. The longevity of cast gold is generally greater than any other tooth restoration. Many patients and dentists report 40-50 years of service.
2. Wear of opposing teeth is minimal. Gold alloy wears almost exactly like tooth enamel.
3. Gold restorations are strong and can be made to fit more teeth more exactly than other types of crowns. When cemented with decay-preventive cement, the restorations resist further decay.
They have only one substantial disadvantage. They are not tooth-colored, and most people object to using them in areas of the mouth that would show the metal.
1. The longevity of cast gold is generally greater than any other tooth restoration. Many patients and dentists report 40-50 years of service.
2. Wear of opposing teeth is minimal. Gold alloy wears almost exactly like tooth enamel.
3. Gold restorations are strong and can be made to fit more teeth more exactly than other types of crowns. When cemented with decay-preventive cement, the restorations resist further decay.
They have only one substantial disadvantage. They are not tooth-colored, and most people object to using them in areas of the mouth that would show the metal.
Ceramic Crowns
Crowns made entirely of ceramic (tooth-colored) materials. Advantages are:
1. They can be constructed to a highly acceptable esthetic level. They are usually the most esthetically pleasing crowns in dentistry.
2. They do not have a metal center as do porcelain with metal crowns. Therefore, these crowns are biologically compatible, hypoallergenic, and have very low toxicity.
Disadvantages include:
1. Ceramic crowns are not as strong as metal crowns or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. If your bite is especially abusive, ceramic crowns may not have adequate strength for you. During service, some all-ceramic crowns break and must be replaced.
2. Some brands of ceramic crowns can be made into fixed partial dentures (bridges), but they may not be as strong as metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
If you have a need for optimum esthetic result or you have allergies to metals used in dentistry, you may want to consider ceramic crowns. If not, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns or metal crowns may be your better choice.
1. They can be constructed to a highly acceptable esthetic level. They are usually the most esthetically pleasing crowns in dentistry.
2. They do not have a metal center as do porcelain with metal crowns. Therefore, these crowns are biologically compatible, hypoallergenic, and have very low toxicity.
Disadvantages include:
1. Ceramic crowns are not as strong as metal crowns or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. If your bite is especially abusive, ceramic crowns may not have adequate strength for you. During service, some all-ceramic crowns break and must be replaced.
2. Some brands of ceramic crowns can be made into fixed partial dentures (bridges), but they may not be as strong as metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
If you have a need for optimum esthetic result or you have allergies to metals used in dentistry, you may want to consider ceramic crowns. If not, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns or metal crowns may be your better choice.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns
These crowns are made of gold alloy centers with a ceramic (tooth colored) coating. The advantages are:
1. Tooth shading is usually acceptable, for most front teeth and almost all back teeth.
Disadvantages:
1. Porcelain may fracture off the metal center. If this happens, repairs may not work and the crown may need to be remade. Abuse such as chewing hard candy or ice is more likely to chip these crowns.
2. Although they are very strong, porcelain with metal crowns are not quite as esthetically pleasing as all porcelain.
If you have a need for an optimum result or you have allergies to metals used in dentistry, you may want to consider all ceramic crowns. If not, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns or metal crowns are often a better choice.
1. Tooth shading is usually acceptable, for most front teeth and almost all back teeth.
Disadvantages:
1. Porcelain may fracture off the metal center. If this happens, repairs may not work and the crown may need to be remade. Abuse such as chewing hard candy or ice is more likely to chip these crowns.
2. Although they are very strong, porcelain with metal crowns are not quite as esthetically pleasing as all porcelain.
If you have a need for an optimum result or you have allergies to metals used in dentistry, you may want to consider all ceramic crowns. If not, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns or metal crowns are often a better choice.
Bruxzir Crowns (Total Zirconia Crowns)
These crowns are ideal for clenchers and grinders and most back teeth. The prep is more conservative, meaning less tooth structure is taken away. These crowns are "virtually unbreakable." The strength of a full metal crown with the esthetics of a porcelain crown.
Temporary Crowns or Bridges (Fixed Prostheses)
We normally place a temporary plastic restoration that will serve you for a short period of time until the final restoration is made by the laboratory. Here are a few things you should know:
Chewing:
1.The temporary cement requires about one-half hour to set. Please do not chew during that time.
2.Temporary restorations are not strong. They may break or come off occasionally. If so, call us and we will replace them. If this occurs after hours, obtain some Fixodent from a pharmacy, and replace the temporary restoration with it. See us as soon as you can. Please do not leave the temporary restoration out of your mouth, as the teeth may move and the final restoration may not fit. Also, remember that Fixodent will not hold your temporary tightly, so be very careful when chewing not to chew the temporary or swallow it.
3.If you are out of town, follow the instructions above. If you expect to be gone for more than a few days, see a local dentist as soon as possible.
Sticky Foods/Snacks: Certain foods will stick to temporary restorations. This is less likely to happen with the final restoration. Avoid taffy, gum, caramel, and other sticky foods. These are guaranteed to pull off temporaries. Some sticky foods will pull off permanent as well.
Home Repairs: Do not use any permanent cement (such as dental repair cements at pharmacies), or crazy glue. These will damage the tooth preparations and temporaries, and in some cases, lead to the need to re-prepare or remove the tooth.
Color, Glaze, Shape, and Size: The color and shininess of the plastic temporaries do not necessarily resemble the color of the final. Temporaries are temporary and not meant to last long. They are not durable and are not intended to be in the mouth for long periods of time. Failure or delayed return may lead to teeth shifting, the final restoration not fitting, or the loss of the involved tooth.
Tooth sensitivity: Temporary restorations may leak saliva or food into the tooth. Sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet is not uncommon. Call us if it lingers for more than a few seconds. Remember, any time a tooth has been operated on, the dental pulp may degenerate and need additional treatment. Prompt attention to these symptoms may reduce the chance of further deterioration.
Chewing:
1.The temporary cement requires about one-half hour to set. Please do not chew during that time.
2.Temporary restorations are not strong. They may break or come off occasionally. If so, call us and we will replace them. If this occurs after hours, obtain some Fixodent from a pharmacy, and replace the temporary restoration with it. See us as soon as you can. Please do not leave the temporary restoration out of your mouth, as the teeth may move and the final restoration may not fit. Also, remember that Fixodent will not hold your temporary tightly, so be very careful when chewing not to chew the temporary or swallow it.
3.If you are out of town, follow the instructions above. If you expect to be gone for more than a few days, see a local dentist as soon as possible.
Sticky Foods/Snacks: Certain foods will stick to temporary restorations. This is less likely to happen with the final restoration. Avoid taffy, gum, caramel, and other sticky foods. These are guaranteed to pull off temporaries. Some sticky foods will pull off permanent as well.
Home Repairs: Do not use any permanent cement (such as dental repair cements at pharmacies), or crazy glue. These will damage the tooth preparations and temporaries, and in some cases, lead to the need to re-prepare or remove the tooth.
Color, Glaze, Shape, and Size: The color and shininess of the plastic temporaries do not necessarily resemble the color of the final. Temporaries are temporary and not meant to last long. They are not durable and are not intended to be in the mouth for long periods of time. Failure or delayed return may lead to teeth shifting, the final restoration not fitting, or the loss of the involved tooth.
Tooth sensitivity: Temporary restorations may leak saliva or food into the tooth. Sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet is not uncommon. Call us if it lingers for more than a few seconds. Remember, any time a tooth has been operated on, the dental pulp may degenerate and need additional treatment. Prompt attention to these symptoms may reduce the chance of further deterioration.
Fixed Partial Dentures (Bridges)
The fixed partial denture that you have elected to receive will replace missing tooth structure or missing teeth very well and should provide you with years of service if you observe the following requirements:
1.Sensitivity: Don't worry about mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods. It usually disappears gradually over a few weeks. Infrequently, sensitivity lasts longer than six weeks. Please tell us if this occurs.
2.Aggressive chewing: Do not chew ice or other hard objects. Avoid chewing sticky foods such as "hard tack" candies and caramels because they can remove and/or damage restorations.
3.Preventative procedures: To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and help prevent future dental decay and supporting tissue breakdown, the following home care procedures are highly recommended:
a. Brush and floss your teeth after eating and before bedtime. You will not be able to push floss between the bridge teeth as with natural and implant supported teeth. We suggest using a floss aid or "Super Floss" available from most pharmacies.
b.Use an over-the-counter fluoride rinse.
c.Visit us for regular six month examinations. Often, small problems that develop around the restorations can be found at an early stage and corrected easily. Waiting too long may require redoing the entire restoration. Failure to return for professional examinations and cleanings are most significant reasons for the loss of these restorations.
If you experience movement or looseness in the restoration, sensitivity to sweet foods, a peculiar taste from the restoration site, breakage of material from the restoration or sensitivity to pressure contact us immediately.
Possible adverse outcome include but is not limited to:
1.Sore gums: In order to accurately record the tooth for the laboratory, gum tissue usually must be pushed away from the tooth. This gum tissue should be expected to be sore for a few days and may bleed during this time. Discomfort for more than 2-3 days should be reported for evaluation.
1.Sensitivity: Don't worry about mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods. It usually disappears gradually over a few weeks. Infrequently, sensitivity lasts longer than six weeks. Please tell us if this occurs.
2.Aggressive chewing: Do not chew ice or other hard objects. Avoid chewing sticky foods such as "hard tack" candies and caramels because they can remove and/or damage restorations.
3.Preventative procedures: To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and help prevent future dental decay and supporting tissue breakdown, the following home care procedures are highly recommended:
a. Brush and floss your teeth after eating and before bedtime. You will not be able to push floss between the bridge teeth as with natural and implant supported teeth. We suggest using a floss aid or "Super Floss" available from most pharmacies.
b.Use an over-the-counter fluoride rinse.
c.Visit us for regular six month examinations. Often, small problems that develop around the restorations can be found at an early stage and corrected easily. Waiting too long may require redoing the entire restoration. Failure to return for professional examinations and cleanings are most significant reasons for the loss of these restorations.
If you experience movement or looseness in the restoration, sensitivity to sweet foods, a peculiar taste from the restoration site, breakage of material from the restoration or sensitivity to pressure contact us immediately.
Possible adverse outcome include but is not limited to:
1.Sore gums: In order to accurately record the tooth for the laboratory, gum tissue usually must be pushed away from the tooth. This gum tissue should be expected to be sore for a few days and may bleed during this time. Discomfort for more than 2-3 days should be reported for evaluation.
Implants
An implant is a titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. An implant can be used to support an individual tooth or several can support a fixed partial (bridge) denture or stabilize a full denture. Implants are surgically placed in the bone, covered with your gum tissue and left undisturbed for 4-6 months. Afterward, the gum tissue is removed and a device called an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment acts as an artificial tooth on which single crowns, fixed and/or removable dentures connect.
Who should get implants:
Almost anyone can get implants. However, some conditions called "risk factors" are known to reduce success rates of implants. Risk factors include but are not limited to:
1.Smoking and smokeless tobacco- Combustion products from cigarettes, cigars, ect. and chemicals in tobacco add substantial risk to the success of implants, especially during healing phase. Smokers should not be surprised if their implants fail.
2.Diabetes-the better the control, the lower the risk
3.Insufficient bone-The more bone, the better. In cases where there is not enough bone to support an implant, you may receive a bone graft. Bone grafts are made from real or artificial bone material. As with any procedure, bone grafts have their own risks, that vary, depending on where the graft is needed, how much bone must be added and other risk factors listed on this page.
4.Location-Where the implant needs to be placed affects the success rate. For example, if the ideal location happens to be in the same place as a main nerve bundle, the location must be changed. This may affect the line-up of crowns or other appliances placed on the implant, causing a higher failure rate.
5.Medications-Some medicines used to treat heart disease, long term bisphosphonate use (to treat or prevent osteoporosis), and some other medications are risk factors to varying degrees.
6.Bruxism (grinding and/or clenching your teeth) may cause implants to fail by introducing sideways forces. A night guard may be constructed for you. Failure to wear the appliance will substantially increase the risk of failure.
7.Poor oral hygiene-The same bacteria that cause most people to loose their teeth are still in your mouth. Failure to clean your mouth properly is a substantial risk factor.
Risks: A small number of implants do not work. If an implant fails, we can often try to place it again. As with any oral surgery, other risks include but are not limited to: complications from surgery or medications and anesthetics, infection, bleeding, swelling, pain, facial discoloration (usually goes away, but not always), permanent numbness of the lip, tongue, teeth, chin, or jaw, jaw joint injuries, muscle spasm, tooth looseness, teeth sensitivity, shrinkage of the gum tissue that may expose root or implant surfaces, cracking of the corners of your mouth, limited ability to open your mouth, changes in speech, allergic reactions, injury to adjacent teeth and/or crowns, bone fractures, sinus penetration, delayed healing, accidental swallowing of foreign matter. Some complications are irreversible.
Who should get implants:
Almost anyone can get implants. However, some conditions called "risk factors" are known to reduce success rates of implants. Risk factors include but are not limited to:
1.Smoking and smokeless tobacco- Combustion products from cigarettes, cigars, ect. and chemicals in tobacco add substantial risk to the success of implants, especially during healing phase. Smokers should not be surprised if their implants fail.
2.Diabetes-the better the control, the lower the risk
3.Insufficient bone-The more bone, the better. In cases where there is not enough bone to support an implant, you may receive a bone graft. Bone grafts are made from real or artificial bone material. As with any procedure, bone grafts have their own risks, that vary, depending on where the graft is needed, how much bone must be added and other risk factors listed on this page.
4.Location-Where the implant needs to be placed affects the success rate. For example, if the ideal location happens to be in the same place as a main nerve bundle, the location must be changed. This may affect the line-up of crowns or other appliances placed on the implant, causing a higher failure rate.
5.Medications-Some medicines used to treat heart disease, long term bisphosphonate use (to treat or prevent osteoporosis), and some other medications are risk factors to varying degrees.
6.Bruxism (grinding and/or clenching your teeth) may cause implants to fail by introducing sideways forces. A night guard may be constructed for you. Failure to wear the appliance will substantially increase the risk of failure.
7.Poor oral hygiene-The same bacteria that cause most people to loose their teeth are still in your mouth. Failure to clean your mouth properly is a substantial risk factor.
Risks: A small number of implants do not work. If an implant fails, we can often try to place it again. As with any oral surgery, other risks include but are not limited to: complications from surgery or medications and anesthetics, infection, bleeding, swelling, pain, facial discoloration (usually goes away, but not always), permanent numbness of the lip, tongue, teeth, chin, or jaw, jaw joint injuries, muscle spasm, tooth looseness, teeth sensitivity, shrinkage of the gum tissue that may expose root or implant surfaces, cracking of the corners of your mouth, limited ability to open your mouth, changes in speech, allergic reactions, injury to adjacent teeth and/or crowns, bone fractures, sinus penetration, delayed healing, accidental swallowing of foreign matter. Some complications are irreversible.
