What are fixed prosthodontics and how will they help me?
Fixed prosthodontics are prosthetic or artificial devices, such as dental crowns, bridgework, and dental implants that replace missing teeth in your mouth. Fixed prosthodontics are not regularly removed and are used instead of removable dental devices, such as dentures. Replacing lost, damaged or severely decayed teeth may help restore your ability to eat and speak, improve your appearance, and benefit your general health and wellbeing.
Local anaesthetic
This treatment will require a local anaesthetic. For more information about the anaesthetic and the risks involved please discuss any concerns with your dental practitioner.
What are the specific risks of this treatment?
In most cases, fixed prosthodontics treatments are successful. However, there is always some risk depending on the condition of the tooth, how well you care for your teeth and the surrounding gums, and the biting forces on the tooth.
Common risks and complications include:
- Reduction of tooth structure: this may be necessary during the preparation of decayed or damaged teeth so crowns and/or bridges can be placed on the tooth/teeth
- Speech: your speech may be altered temporarily until your tongue and lips adjust to the new fixed Prosthodontics
- Sensitivity: this may occur after the preparation of the tooth surface for a crown or bridge. In most cases this is temporary and generally subsides within a short time of treatment.
- Uncomfortable: fixed prosthodontics are artificial and therefore can feel uncomfortable or different from your natural teeth. This feeling should only be temporary.
- Breakage and/or chipping: porcelain, acrylic and metal components of the fixed prosthodontics can chip and even break. Biting hard materials, change in biting forces, traumatic blows to the mouth are all possible but not limited to causes of a break(s) or chip(s).
- Further Treatment: Teeth involved in the placement of a crown or bridge may require root canal treatment due to the nerve tissue becoming infected or inflamed
- Dental decay and/or gum disease: it is important to maintain good oral hygiene (i.e. brushing and flossing) to include the fixed prosthodontics and surrounding teeth and gums to avoid decay and gum disease • Bleeding: Is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs or some complementary/ alternative medicines, such as fish oil and turmeric. Please discuss any medications you are currently taking with your dental practitioner at your initial appointment.
Uncommon risks and complications include:
- Failure of the fixed prosthodontics: this can occur due to but not limited to poor oral hygiene, poor diet, and failure to attend dental appointments
- Loss of temporary restoration during fixed prosthodontics treatment: Contact Skygate Dental.
- Severe or persistent pain: Contact Skygate Dental.
- Infection requiring antibiotics and further treatment: Contact Skygate Dental.
What are the risks of not having this treatment?
There may be consequences if you choose not to have the proposed treatment. For more information please discuss with your dental practitioner.
Acknowledgement
I have provided as accurate and complete a medical and personal history as possible including antibiotics, drugs, or other medications I am currently taking as well as those to which I am allergic. I will follow any and all treatment and post-treatment instructions as explained and directed to me and will permit the recommended diagnostic procedures, including X-rays. I realize that in spite of the possible complications and risks, I do not have to proceed with the treatment should I choose not too. I am aware that the practice of dentistry is not an exact science, and I acknowledge that no guarantees, warrantees, or representations have been made to me concerning the results of the procedure. I have read this form and have been provided with ample time to ask any and all questions I had in relation to the treatment that has been proposed. I understand and accept the potential risks and complications associated with the treatment. I wish to proceed with Crown(s) and/or Bridging procedure.
