Bridge
A bridge, which is constructed across a tooth gap, consists of two bridge abutments and a connecting link. When teeth can no longer be saved, fixed bridges often serve as a way to maintain chewing function and aesthetics. The teeth are prepared and can serve as bridge abutments.
Since they belong to the so-called fixed, non removable dentures, just like the implants, they are usually the means of choice next to the implants. The function during chewing is comparably good as with healthy teeth. This is not guaranteed by a prosthesis compared to a bridge.
The bridges can be made of white ceramic or metal veneered with plastic and therefore also meet the aesthetic requirements. Oral hygiene is very important here. Several daily brushing and the use of interdental brushes is necessary to keep the bridge in good condition for about 10 years.
There are different types of bridge constructions. It has to be decided individually for each patient which is the most suitable construction. The bridges can be constructed on natural teeth or on implants as artificial tooth roots for anchoring in the jawbone.
Root canal revision
Often, severe inflammation in the root area is found in teeth that have already received a root canal filling. The patients usually feel no pain or have other complaints. Nevertheless, the inflammation in the area of the root must be removed.
Reasons for such chronic inflammation in teeth treated for root canals are often leaking or insufficient fillings of the root canals. In these cases, the filling must be removed and the root canal must be cleaned again and freed from all inflammation. The remaining bacteria, which in most cases cause inflammation, are eliminated and the root canal is filled again.
This process is called root canal revision. The renewed sufficient filling of the root canals is similar to a normal root canal filling. All previously existing cavities are sealed and the risk of renewed inflammation is minimized.
Dentures are removable dentures. Missing teeth are replaced by plastic teeth. On the one hand, they lie directly on the gums and on the other hand they gain hold by resting on other teeth.
There are also different types of dentures. If no teeth can be retained, e.g. by root canal resection, and the jaw is completely edentulous, this is called a total denture. If there are still several natural and healthy teeth in the jaw, they are supported by the jaw and this is called a partial denture.
The gaps created by pulling the teeth are replaced by plastic teeth. As a further option, so-called transitional dentures are often made. These are worn for a maximum of 6 months and serve to cover and protect a wound caused by tooth extraction.
The advantages of dentures, especially for older patients, are above all the good cleaning possibilities and easy handling through targeted insertion and removal. However, many patients are afraid of the idea of seeing their own teeth full of gaps. With only single gaps or also young patients, a fixed denture by means of implants, bridges and crowns is always advisable, if the conditions in the jaw and the oral cavity allow it.