Dentistry on Dundas: bridgework

Barbara underwent several procedures to achieve her new smile. This included root canal therapy, surgical crown lengthening of upper anteriors and full crown and bridgework on upper teeth.

After

Before

What was her chief concern about her teeth?

Barbara's previous bridgework was failing. One of the teeth that supported her bridge were breaking down and needed adjunctive gum surgery to make them candidates for support for the new prosthesis. Her case presented some challenges as she had also lost some posterior support. She would require restoration of her bite to complete her treatment. Ideally implants would be the best option but she opted at this time for partial dentures until implants could be considered.

Why are implants the better option in many cases?

implants are now the treatment of choice in most cases when it comes to the replacement of lost teeth. Although they are biologically different from teeth, they act like teeth in many ways. Aesthetically they are usually the best way to mimic what nature originally gave us. They can stand alone as individual teeth, something a bridge or partial denture can't. Implants do not affect the adjacent teeth, unlike other alternatives that rely on adjacent teeth for fixation or support. However, implants do come at a higher cost but that is only in the short term. Over the long haul, properly integrated and maintained implants can be a bargain when you consider the costs associated with maintaining and replacing the other alternatives.

Before

After

What further treatment will Barbara need as she moves forward?

Post treatment care is always the key to a successful restoration. maintenance at home as well as frequent visits to the dentist for examination and cleaning of the restoration and all of her teeth will help ensure many years of smiles. in addition, the sooner implants are placed in the posterior dentition the better. for it's the posterior teeth that protect the anterior teeth and the smile.

Treatment was possible through a team effort!

Dr. Mark Librach

Dentist

Dr. Jon Rapp Dr. Dana Levy

Endodontist Periodontist

Jonathan Mursic Connie

5 Axis Lab Treatment
Coordinator

To view other dental makeover click on the following:
Laurie's Dental Makeover
Carol's Dental Makeover
Martine's Dental Makeover
To learn more about implant click the following:
Dental Implants

Patient had full mouth reconstruction which included periodontal therapy, 21 crowns and 2 bridges.

1. How did you develop a plan for treating this patient's concerns?

In all cases like this it is important to listen to the patient's concerns. Our goal is always to try to create a beautiful smile that functions well for the patient. So listen, listen, listen, plan, plan, plan and execute.

2. Was his treatment out of the ordinary?

Our Patient had extensive wear through many years of grinding which led to a collapsed bite. If we did not address this problem before our final restorations were inserted, our restorations would be doomed to fail. So we placed the patient in provisional crowns and bridges for many months. Once we had determined the bruxism was not destroying our temporary work and the patient was comfortable, we could proceed to the final restorations. In addition, we made the patient a protective appliance called a nightguard to keep any grinding habits at bay should they return.

3. How long did his transformation take?

The patient was able to see results immediately as the provisionals created an instantly pleasing smile. The final restorations were delayed for almost a year to allow for the patient to feel comfortable and to allow for his schedule.

4. Are there any at-home steps patients should follow after procedures like these?

There is a lot of effort by the patient and the dental team in these cases. In addition there is sometimes considerable expense to the patient. It is therefore imperative that the patient protects his investment. We always stress meticulous home care including a good quality electric toothbrush, flossing, special toothpastes and oral care products.

In addition, the frequency of oral examinations and cleanings is tailored to the patients needs. Finally, a nightguard is fabricated to protect the dental work while the patient sleeps.