Prosthodontics: Crowns and Bridges

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of dental prosthesis?

A method for cleaning teeth.

An artificial limb.

A device that replaces one or more lost teeth. (correct)

A type of dental hygiene practice.

Which type of prosthesis can be easily inserted and removed by the patient?

Root canal treatment.

Complete denture. (correct)

Dental implant.

Fixed dental prosthesis.

What is the role of an abutment in a dental bridge?

It connects the pontic to the retainer.

It is a temporary measure until surgery.

It is the natural tooth that supports the bridge. (correct)

It is the missing tooth that needs to be replaced.

Which of the following statements about crowns is true?

Crowns protect the remaining tooth structures from further damage. Signup and view all the answers

What function does a pontic serve in a fixed prosthesis?

It replaces the missing tooth and restores function. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates fixed dental prosthesis from removable dental prosthesis?

Fixed prosthesis cannot be removed by the patient. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a fixed partial denture connects a pontic to retainers?

Connector. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of prosthodontics in dentistry?

To deal with the restoration of damaged teeth. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a span in dental bridge terminology?

The space between natural teeth that requires a bridge Signup and view all the answers

Which type of restoration is classified as an intracoronal restoration?

Inlay Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a crown in dentistry?

To restore the outer surface of a tooth Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes an onlay?

An extracoronal restoration covering the cusp areas Signup and view all the answers

How is a unit defined in the context of dental bridges?

Either a retainer or a pontic in a bridge Signup and view all the answers

What function do crown restorations serve related to periodontal health?

To prevent food impaction and maintain health Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials can be used to create inlays?

Gold, composite, and porcelain Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between an inlay and an onlay?

Inlays are intracoronal while onlays are extracoronal Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Prosthodontics

Prosthesis refers to the replacement of absent body parts with artificial devices.
Dental prosthesis includes devices that replace lost teeth or parts of crowns.
Prosthodontics focuses on replacing missing teeth and associated tissues with prostheses (crowns, bridges, dentures).

Types of Dental Prosthesis

Removable Dental Prosthesis: Can be inserted and removed by the patient.
- Partial Denture: Supported by remaining natural teeth and edentulous ridges.
- Complete Denture: Fully supported by edentulous ridges.
Fixed Dental Prosthesis: Permanently fixed and can’t be removed by the patient.
- Supported solely by natural teeth.

Crowns and Bridges

Specializes in restoring damaged teeth with artificial crowns and replacing missing teeth with cast prostheses.
Crown: An artificial restoration for the coronal part of a natural tooth.
- Restores contour, function, and protects remaining tooth structures.
Bridge: A fixed prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth.
- Abutment: Natural tooth supporting the bridge.
- Retainer: Part of the bridge cemented to the abutment, can be a crown or inlay.
- Pontic: Replaces the missing tooth, restoring function and aesthetics.
- Connector: Connects pontic to retainer or retainer to retainer. Connectors can be fixed or allow movement.

Additional Terms

Pier Abutment: An abutment tooth between two pontics.
Span: The space the bridge fills between natural teeth.
Unit: Refers to either a retainer or pontic in bridge work (e.g., a three-unit bridge consists of two retainers and one pontic).
Inlays: Intracoronal restorations cemented into tooth cavities, restoring contour and function.
- Types include gold, composite, and porcelain inlays.
Onlays: Extracoronal restorations that cover the occlusal surface and sometimes proximal surfaces of teeth.

Comparison of Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns

Inlay: Intracoronal restoration gaining retention from internal surfaces.
Onlay: Extracoronal restoration with similar preparation to inlays but includes occlusal reduction.
Crown: Extracoronal restoration gaining retention from outer surfaces.

Purposes of Crown Construction

Restores fractured or grossly damaged teeth and large fillings.
Enhances speech and mastication function.
Improves aesthetics for better patient appearance.
Recontours occlusion to maintain periodontal health and prevent food impaction.
Acts as a retainer for bridges.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of prosthodontics, focusing on dental prostheses like crowns and bridges. It explores the definitions, purposes, and importance of replacing missing teeth with artificial devices. Perfect for students learning about dental restoration techniques.