Download Fixed restorations

Fixed restorations
How to contact us
Patient Information
Telephone:
e-mail:
01 6127391
[email protected]
Main Hospital
Telephone:
e-mail:
Fax Number:
01 6127200
[email protected]
01 6711255
Website:
http://www.tcd.ie/dental-school
Information on
Fixed Restorations
(Crowns and Bridges)
Crowns
When a tooth is badly damaged or discoloured, it may be
covered with a crown (also known as a cap).
In addition, treatment with crowns or bridges may result in:
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The tooth must first be shaped with a drill so that a crown
may be placed. Crowns are cemented onto teeth and are
intended to last for several years.
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A crown fits over the whole tooth and may be made of
metal and/or porcelain. Often crowns on the back teeth are
metal-coloured, but crowns on the front teeth are toothcoloured.
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Sensitivity of the teeth after drilling
Loss of tooth vitality
Gum recession
Speech difficulties
Increased wear on other teeth
Change in your bite
Allergic reactions
Change in your appearance
It is not always possible to match the colour of a crown or
bridge exactly to existing crowns or natural teeth. Once the
crown or bridge is cemented it is not possible to change its
colour or size.
Bridges
When a tooth is missing, it can sometimes be replaced with
a bridge. A bridge is an artificial tooth, which is attached to
the tooth or teeth on each side of the space. The bridge is
cemented onto the adjacent teeth and it may last for several
years. Usually the teeth that support the bridge must be
shaped with a drill.
Risks of treatment with crowns or bridges
As with any dental treatment, there are risks attached to the
placement of crowns and bridges. There are general risks
related to the use of drills, instruments and local anaesthetic.
After your tooth is prepared for a crown or bridge, you will
be fitted with a temporary restoration. This is to allow time
for the final crown to be made in the laboratory, or for
other treatment to be finished. Temporary crowns are
sometimes needed for a few weeks or even several months.
Temporary crowns and bridges may come off easily and it is
important that they be replaced quickly. Delays in replacing
the temporary crown or bridge may cause tooth movement
and the final crown or bridge will not fit.
Care and Maintenance of your fixed restoration
The long-term success of your fixed restoration will largely
depend on how well you maintain your dental health. It is
important to thoroughly remove plaque daily from teeth and
crowns to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Fixed restorations will be at increased risk of failure from
poor diet, certain chronic illnesses, medications, trauma or
excessive grinding of the teeth.
You should see your dentist for regular check-ups.
“typical” checkups interval used is about one year.
However this really depends on each individual’s dental
health and is something you should discuss with your dentist.
Crowns or bridges sometimes become loose and you should
return to your own dentist as soon as you notice any
movement of the restoration. Dental decay or fracture of
the tooth or loss of the cement layer could cause this.
The cost of your treatment
You will be asked by your dentist to sign consent to
treatment form and also to sign an agreement to pay the
cost of your treatment.
Price lists are available from reception areas. For some
treatments a deposit will be required.
We hope that this leaflet has provided you the information
you need, but if you have any further questions please, feel
free to ask.
Date of Issue: July 2005