Prosthetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on tooth replacement and restoration. Full and partial dentures, crowns, bridges, and implants are the most common dental prosthetic devices. These devices are used in prosthetic dentistry to fill in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing, reconstruct teeth, restore function, and improve a person’s smile. Despite the fact that they are all used for the same purpose, each prosthetic device has a slightly different function.
Dentures are frequently used in prosthetic dentistry. Dentures are a type of removable tooth that is used to replace missing teeth. Dentures, for example, can be obtained if a person has lost all of his natural teeth or had them extracted. Dentures typically have a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over a person’s natural gum tissue to mimic the appearance of gum tissue. The base of the upper denture usually also covers the roof of the mouth, whereas the bottom denture leaves this section out to make room for the tongue.
In prosthetic dentistry, partial dentures are also used. A partial denture differs from a full denture in that it is used when a person still has some natural teeth. The base of this device is acrylic and looks like gum tissue. It usually has spaces for natural teeth to show through, as well as false teeth to fill in gaps where teeth are missing.
Crowns are commonly used in prosthetic dentistry as well. Crowns are used when a portion of the tooth structure has been lost or has deteriorated significantly. They are commonly made of porcelain. Using a dental filling in this situation may cause further damage to the tooth or degrade its appearance. Instead, a porcelain crown can be placed over the damaged tooth to improve its appearance and hold it together. Crowns are usually the same color as the patient’s teeth, making them difficult to notice when he smiles.
Another device commonly used in prosthetic dentistry to replace missing teeth is a bridge. Bridges are frequently used not only for aesthetic reasons, but also to ensure the stability of a person’s bite. They may also aid in the prevention of tooth tilting in the surrounding area. Crowns surround the false tooth that will fill the gap in many cases, and the crowns surrounding the false tooth are attached to healthy adjacent teeth. There are, however, other types of bridges.
Implants are also used in prosthetic dentistry. They’re artificial teeth that stay in a person’s mouth rather than being removed like dentures. Dentists usually place a titanium screw into a person’s jaw bone and allow it to fuse in place to create an implant. Later, a crown is placed over the screw and covered with a top.