
Prosthetic Dentistry
Our dental care team at Coquitlam Centre Dental Clinic is fully trained to take care of all of your dental needs, including all methods to improve the look and feel of your smile and bite. Depending on the specific need or problem that you have, our care team will consult with you and discuss the appropriate dental treatment that suits you best.
Our Prosthetic dentists will take care of all of your needs, including:
artificial coverings of the tooth made from the latest compounds to look and feel your best. The underlying tooth is gently reshaped to accommodate these restorations.
artificial coverings similar to above, except that they only cover the forward surface of the tooth. Usually for aesthetic purposes only.
a covering is constructed to replace a missing tooth and connect two or more crowns together through a bridge. This process is usually recommended after an extraction.
a procedure in which the latest techniques are used to insert an artificially constructed tooth into a secure base that is built into the bone of your jaw. This is completed in steps and is a surgical procedure. For your comfort, the latest in comfort dental techniques are applied during surgery.
a partial or complete set of artificial teeth which either attach to neighbouring teeth by use of metal or plastic grasps or adhesive.


Crowns (“Caps”)
Crowns are fixed covers or caps that structurally support teeth. They can be gold or porcelain (tooth color). Crowns (they are tight – do not come in and out) are used to repair teeth that have been badly broken, that have root canal fillings, that are malformed or discolored or that need a better bite. The tooth is trimmed, impressions (molds) are taken, the crown is fabricated to fit over the trimmed tooth, the crown is then cemented or bonded to complete the restoration of the tooth. This is all done by our trained dentists using the latest in comfort dental techniques.
A crown can last up to 10 to 15 years, especially if you pay close attention to the things you chew, avoiding a lot of hard candy and ice for example.

Why Do Teeth Need Dental Crowns?
A dentist might recommend placing a dental crown for a variety of reasons but, in general, most of these reasons will usually fall within one of the following basic categories:
To restore a tooth to its original shape.
To strengthen a tooth.
To improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth.
If your tooth has undergone significant decay and there is not enough tooth structure remaining to support a filling or an inlay and maintain functionality.
If a large portion of your tooth has fractured and it cannot be built up using traditional composite bonding techniques.
If you have a large cavity and opt for the additional protection a crown offers to your tooth over a large composite filling or an inlay.
If you have had a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, a crown will be fitted to the abutment of the titanium implant.
Following root canal treatment, a crown is often needed to strengthen the tooth.
If you grind your teeth and have a poor diet, acid erosion may reduce your teeth to a point where the only option available is to crown them.
For cosmetic reasons, to improve the aesthetics of your smile, you may opt for all porcelain cosmetic crowns.
Why Might I Need a Crown?

Veneers
Veneers are artificial coverings built to cover the forward (labial or buccal) surface of the tooth. They are used usually for aesthetic purposes only, when there are no other structural concerns or issues.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a prosthesis used in place of missing teeth and may be removable or permanently attached. If you have a space from a missing tooth or teeth a bridge will be custom made to fill in the space with a false tooth or teeth. The false tooth is attached by the bridge to the two other teeth around the space – bridging them together.


Dentures
Dentures are removable sets (sometimes called “plates”) of teeth that replace all the teeth in a jaw. They can be upper, lower, or both. The teeth in a jaw are all removed, the jaw bone may need to be shaped properly with a minor surgery, impressions (molds) are taken, the bite is measured, the denture is fabricated, the denture ( they do come in and out) is placed and home care instructions are discussed.
Partials
Partial dentures are removable sets (sometimes called partial plates) of teeth that replace missing teeth in a jaw that still has other teeth in that jaw. Anchor teeth are shaped, impressions (molds) are taken, the bite is measured, the partial denture is fabricated, the partial denture ( they do come in and out) is placed and home care instructions are discussed.

Dentures for Missing Teeth
Tooth loss can occur for many reasons (periodontal disease, decay or trauma). Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for many years now. Alternative methods used to replace missing teeth include dental implants and fixed bridges.
The loss of your teeth can have negative effects on your self-confidence, your ability to chew food and your bite. Since your teeth provide structure and support to your cheeks, tooth loss can result in the sagging of your cheeks and make you appear older than you are. It is essential that your missing teeth are replaced as soon as possible.
Dentures are removable replacements for your teeth, designed to look and function like your own natural teeth and surrounding gum tissues. Modern-day dentures can look very realistic and natural and feel comfortable.
Holding Dentures in Place
Dentures should be held in place by their natural suction to your gums; sometimes a fixative may also be used. However, they tend to come loose and this can cause difficulties when trying to eat certain foods. Dentures can be fixed securely in place by dental implants or mini implants, which can give you the confidence to eat whatever you want without having to worry about your dentures coming loose or falling out. More patients seem to be opting for treatment with implants now. Despite their cost, they have a dramatic effect on improving the quality of life.

How Long Do Dentures Last?
This depends on many factors, including how you take care of them and also how much you use them in terms of general wear and tear. Over time, dentures can become loose as your gums shrink and your bite changes. When this happens, you may need a new set of dentures, or in some cases, a simple modification of your existing dentures may solve the problem.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth and root replacement. At Coquitlam Centre Dental Clinic, we apply the latest techniques of comfort dental to ensure your comfort during the process.
Dental implants are used when a person is missing a few teeth. This could be due to an accident, bone loss or decay.
This process begins with a bone graft or surgical implantation of a metal post into the jaw. Then one will have to be patient for several months as the bone begins to form around the post. Once this happens, a crown can be applied. Implants will take many dental visits.
Not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. Your dental care team at Coquitlam Centre Dental Clinic will discuss the best comfort care plan for you.
