Why Is Prosthetic Dental Treatment Important? A Thorough Guide to Timing and Materials

 Hello, this is Lucid Dental Clinic.

When even one tooth hurts or falls out, more changes happen than you might expect. It becomes uncomfortable to chew food as usual, pronunciation may become unclear when speaking, and you may lose confidence when smiling.

In this way, teeth are important organs that affect not only chewing function but daily life as a whole. That is why it is important to restore damaged teeth with an appropriate method rather than leaving them untreated.

Prosthetic dental treatment is a treatment that restores the original shape and function of teeth as closely as possible in these situations.

It helps preserve natural teeth while also allowing you to go about daily life without inconvenience.

Today, Lucid Dental Clinic will explain in detail why prosthetic treatment is needed, how it is performed, and which treatment can be chosen depending on the situation.

What is prosthetic treatment?

Prosthetic treatment refers to treatment that restores teeth damaged or lost due to cavities, accidents, gum disease, and similar causes as closely as possible to the function and shape of natural teeth.

It is a method that preserves as much of the existing tooth as possible while restoring it, or, when loss is unavoidable, uses artificial restorations that take the place of the tooth.

Prosthetic treatment means more than simply 'putting on' a restoration. It is an important treatment that not only restores tooth function but also affects overall quality of life, from food intake and speech to appearance.

Why is prosthetic treatment important?

If a damaged tooth is left untreated, adjacent teeth may tilt or the opposite tooth may over-erupt, causing the overall bite to collapse.

Also, because food can easily get trapped in areas where a tooth is missing, it may lead to gum inflammation and additional tooth loss.

Therefore, prosthetic treatment is necessary not merely for cosmetic purposes, but as treatment for functional recovery and the maintenance of overall oral health.

Inlay treatment for restoring a wide area

An inlay is used when a wide area needs to be filled after cavity treatment. After removing the inside of the tooth, a custom restoration is made in a dental lab and then attached.

1. Resin inlay

▪️Natural color similar to the tooth color ▪️High adhesion, so the risk of coming loose is low ▪️Considered a material with a lower likelihood of causing sensitivity after cavity treatment

2. Gold inlay

▪️Gold has a strength similar to natural teeth ▪️There is almost no need to worry about corrosion or discoloration, so it can be used stably for a long time ▪️However, it is mainly used inside the mouth, such as for molars, rather than in visible areas.

Crown treatment that covers and protects a damaged tooth

If the cavity is deep or the tooth is badly broken, a wider covering than an inlay is needed: crown treatment. It is a method that maintains the shape of the existing tooth while protecting it from external irritation.

1. Zirconia crown

▪️A material whose strength and color are similar to natural teeth ▪️Excellent aesthetics, so it is often used for front teeth or other visible areas ▪️Its composition is the same as diamond, so it is quite durable.

2. Gold crown

▪️Its elasticity is similar to natural teeth, so it withstands chewing force well ▪️Because it has high thermal conductivity, it is also suitable for people who are sensitive to tooth sensitivity. ▪️It is sturdy and easy to fabricate, allowing for highly precise prosthetic restorations

Denture treatment when multiple teeth have been lost

When several teeth have been lost, dentures can be an alternative. They are placed over the gums and can partially restore tooth function.

1. Partial denture

▪️Used when some teeth remain ▪️It is secured by attaching clasps to the remaining teeth ▪️It can be removed and reinserted, making it relatively easy to manage

2. Full denture

▪️Used when all teeth have been lost ▪️Mainly used for older adults or in cases where all teeth were lost due to an accident ▪️An adjustment period is needed, but it is important to gradually expand the range of use

It is a process that can restore lost function and balance, and even confidence. Depending on the materials and method used for the restoration, accurate diagnosis and planning are needed to match the individual's oral structure and conditions.

At Lucid Dental Clinic, we consider the patient's lifestyle, the condition of the remaining teeth, and the ability to maintain oral hygiene in order to guide you toward prosthetic treatment that can be used comfortably for a long time.

If you have been experiencing discomfort due to tooth damage or tooth loss, now may be the right time to begin treatment.

Small changes can create great confidence. Restore a healthy mouth and smile with prosthetic treatment. Lucid Dental Clinic will be with you.

Lucid Dental Clinic 3rd-4th Floors, Coway Building, 606 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul