What types of fixed dentures are there?
Fixed dentures are cemented or bonded by the dentist and cannot be removed by the patient once they have been inserted. Depending on the size of the destroyed tooth, there are partial crowns, crowns and bridges. In addition to protecting the tooth, the function of this restoration is to restore interlocking with the opposing jaw and thus ensure pain-free chewing. Bridges span gaps between teeth and thus replace a tooth. Even after root canal treatment, in most cases a tooth is so severely weakened that a crown is necessary for stabilization.
When do I need a crown?
After root canal treatment, the tooth is severely weakened in its stability. By fitting a crown, the tooth is set in the healthy tooth structure all around and thus not only protected but also strengthened. A crown may also be necessary for severely damaged teeth without root canal treatment.
The most commonly manufactured dental prosthesis is the dental crown. You can think of a crown as a kind of motorcycle helmet for the tooth, as it covers the entire crown of the tooth. In addition to the protective function, stabilization is also an important point, as these teeth are often severely weakened. They are made in our practice using the CAD/CAM process.
After the tooth has been prepared, it is scanned. A computer is then used to plan and transfer the crown to a machine, which grinds it from a prefabricated block. The crown can be produced in any tooth color and fits perfectly on the tooth stump. It is then attached using a dual-curing composite, which hardens using UV light and chemical components.
When do I need a partial crown?
Partial crowns do not cover the entire tooth, but are made for specific defects. Our aim is to restore the tooth as well as possible while removing as much healthy tooth structure as absolutely necessary. It is up to the dentist to decide whether a crown or partial crown is necessary for a damaged tooth. CAD/CAM milling is also used here.
How much do fixed dentures cost?
There is no general answer to this question. Health insurance companies will cover the standard treatment. Depending on the case, this corresponds to fixed or removable work. In dentistry, however, there is not one right solution in almost every case, but many treatment options. In addition to standard care, there are also similar and different types of care. An example of this is a gap in a tooth in the posterior region. The standard restoration would be a metal bridge. If the patient now wants a fully veneered metal-ceramic bridge, this corresponds to a similar restoration, whereby the insurance company would cover the portion of the standard restoration and the patient would have to cover all additional costs privately. An implant is a different type of restoration. In this case, the patient must bear the entire costs themselves, but here too they can reclaim the share of the standard treatment from the health insurance company.
We will be happy to advise you on this and try to find the best solution together.