221 DEH

Introduction to the Dental Technology

Course Director: Dr Yousef Handout, No (6)

Table of Contents
Introduction to Fixed Partial Denture ...........................................................................2 Introduction ..................................................................................................................2 Common Terms used in Fixed Prosthodontics..........................................................2 Crown ................................................................................................................2 Retainer.............................................................................................................3 Laminate Veneers or Facial Veneers .............................................................3 Only ...................................................................................................................3 Abutment ..........................................................................................................4 Pontic.................................................................................................................4 Connector..........................................................................................................4 Indications for Fixed Partial Denture (FPD).............................................................5 Contraindications for Fixed Partial Denture (FPD) .................................................5

Introduction to the Dental Technology, Course Lectures. Prepared by Dr: Yousef AlJehani

Introduction To Fixed Partial Dentures

Introduction
A fixed partial denture is defined as A partial denture that is cemented to natural teeth or roots which furnish the primary support to the prosthesis. A fixed prosthesis is defined as, A restoration or replacement which is attached by a cementing medium to natural teeth, roots, implants. In the previous section we discussed about removable partial dentures, which can removed and inserted by the patient. In this section, we will be studying about fixed partial dentures. These dentures are fabricated in a complex manner. The prosthesis is cemented to the supporting teeth and cannot be removed by the patient.

Common Terms used in Fixed Prosthodontics Crown

It is a cemented extracoronal restoration that covers or veneers the outer surface of the clinical crown. The primary function of a crown is to protect the underlying tooth structure and restore the function, form and aesthetic. Crowns may be of three types, namely, clinical crown, anatomical crowns and artificial crowns. Clinical crown depicts the intraorally visible tooth structure. Anatomical crown depicts the area of the tooth covered by enamel. If the prosthesis covers all five surfaces of the clinical crown it is referred to as a Full Veneer Crown (FVC) (Figure 1). If the prosthetic crown does not cover the entire clinical crown, it is referred to as a Partial Veneer Crown (PVC) (Figure 2).

Figure 1: Full Veneer Crown.

Figure 2: Partial Veneer Crown.

Introduction to the Dental Technology, Course Lectures. Prepared by Dr: Yousef AlJehani

Introduction to the Dental Technology, Course Lectures. Prepared by Dr: Yousef AlJehani

Retainer
A crown that is used as a part of the fixed partial denture for retention and support from the abutment tooth is called as Retainer.

Laminate Veneers or Facial Veneers

These are prosthesis, which are made of ceramic. They are used as a thin layer over the facial surface of the tooth, primarily for aesthetic reasons (Figure 3).

Inlay
It is an intracoronal restoration, which is used for medium sized single tooth proximo-occlusal and gingival lesions. They are usually made of gold alloy or ceramic material (Figure 4).

Only
It is an intracoronal restoration, which is used to restore a more extensively damaged posterior tooth with a wide mesio-occluso-distal lesion. An only can be termed as an inlay supplemented (fused) with an occlusal veneer in order to restore large lesions (Figure 5).

Figure 3: Labial Veneer. Figure 4: Inlay

Figure 5: Onlay

Introduction to the Dental Technology, Course Lectures. Prepared by Dr: Yousef AlJehani

Introduction to the Dental Technology, Course Lectures. Prepared by Dr: Yousef AlJehani

Abutment
It is any tooth, root or implant which gives attachment and support to the fixed partial denture (Figure 6).

Pontic
The artificial tooth that replaces a missing tooth in a fixed partial denture is called pontic. Pontics are attached to the retainers. All forces acting on the pontic are transferred to the abutment through the retainers (Figure 6).

Abutment

Abutment

Figure 6: Abutments and Pontic.

Connector
It is the connection that exists between the pontic and retainer. They may be rigid or non-rigid. Rigid connectors are immovable attachments between the pontic and retainer. Example: Solder joints. Non-rigid connectors are movable attachments with a key-keyway mechanism. Example: Precision attachments (stress breaker) (Figure 7).

Abutment

Pontic Abutment

Figure 7: Connector.

Introduction to the Dental Technology, Course Lectures. Prepared by Dr: Yousef AlJehani

Introduction to the Dental Technology, Course Lectures. Prepared by Dr: Yousef AlJehani

Indications for Fixed Partial Denture (FPD)

Fixed partial dentures are preferred for the following situations: 1. Short span edentulous arches. 2. Presence of sound teeth that can offer sufficient support. 3. Cases with ridge resorption where a R.P.Ds cannot be stable or retentive. 4. Patients preference. 5. Mentally compromised and physically handicapped patients.

Contraindications for Fixed Partial Denture (FPD)

Fixed partial dentures are generally avoided in the following conditions: 1. Large amount of bone loss as in trauma. 2. Very young patients where teeth have large pulp chambers. 3. Presence of periodontally compromised abutments. 4. Long span edentulous spaces. 5. Bilateral edentulous spaces, which require cross arch stabilization. 6. Congenitally malformed teeth, which do not have adequate tooth. 7. Mentally sensitive patients who cannot cooperate with invasive treatment procedures. 8. Medically compromised patients (e.g. leukaemia, hypertension). 9. Very old patients. 10. Distal extension denture bases as in class I and II cases. Good Luck, Dr. Yousef AlJehani

Introduction to the Dental Technology, Course Lectures. Prepared by Dr: Yousef AlJehani