Fixed Prosthesis

What is a Fixed Prosthesis?

It is the partial or total restoration of a tooth’s crown through a prosthesis that is placed over the prepared natural tooth and/or dental implants, and cannot be removed by the patient. It can also be used to replace one or more lost teeth.

Fixed dental prostheses, crowns, or onlays are used to rehabilitate teeth that have extensive destruction or aesthetic problems beyond the scope of simple dental restoration.

The total or partial loss of teeth affects not only chewing function but also dental aesthetics and the smile. Over time, with changes in tooth positions, more or less severe problems can arise in the temporomandibular joint.

In which situations are fixed dentures indicated?

Fixed dentures are indicated for various situations, including:

Protection of weakened teeth: When a tooth suffers fractures or extensive damage, a fixed denture can be used to restore and protect the remaining structure.

Support for removable dentures: Fixed dentures help improve the retention and support of removable dentures, especially skeletal ones.

Aesthetic correction: They are ideal for covering teeth with color or shape changes, providing a more natural appearance.

Replacement of missing teeth: When a tooth is lost, a fixed denture can be placed over a dental implant to restore functionality and aesthetics.

Replacement of large restorations: When a large restoration compromises the structural integrity of the tooth, a fixed denture can be used to reinforce the tooth.

How to perform good hygiene to prevent bad breath and ensure the durability of fixed prostheses?

Crowns or bridges, when well-designed and properly fitted, behave like natural teeth. Their hygiene requires the same care patients should have with their natural dentition.

Bridge wearers need special devices, such as floss threaders and stiff-tipped floss for cleaning spaces between the pontics and the gums. The use of interdental brushes can also aid in better hygiene.

An improperly designed or poorly fitted fixed prosthesis, along with inadequate hygiene, can lead to the retention of food debris and bacteria, causing gum inflammation and bad breath, potentially compromising the structure supporting the fixed prosthesis.

Although crowns or bridges can last for many years, they may occasionally come loose or “de-cement.” This typically happens if the supporting teeth are damaged by disease. To prevent damage to the fixed prosthesis, avoid biting into hard foods or objects.

The most important aspect of ensuring the longevity of fixed prostheses is regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and professional cleanings.

Frequently Asked Questions

In principle, no, as the best support element would be a tooth with intact structure and healthy gums. However, if there are doubts about the health of the dental pulp, endodontic treatment is recommended. Additionally, there are some clinical situations that may lead to the decision to perform a root canal on these teeth.

Several clinical sessions are required, varying depending on the complexity and extent of the work to be done, and additionally, there is the time it takes for the crowns and bridges to be produced by the laboratory.