Indications
A dental prosthesis replaces one or more missing teeth to restore mastication, speech, and the aesthetics of the smile. Without replacement, neighboring teeth tilt into the gap and the jaw closes irregularly. Dr. Hikmat first performs a full clinical and radiographic assessment to choose the most suitable solution.
- One or more missing teeth after extraction.
- Teeth too damaged to be preserved.
- Complete loss of the dentition on one or both arches.
Removable prostheses
Removable prostheses, commonly called dentures, are taken out and put back in by the patient. They are complete when they replace all the teeth of an arch, and partial when they fill in a few missing teeth by resting on the remaining teeth.
Their advantage is the simplicity of fitting and the possibility of adjustments over time; their drawback is lower stability than a fixed prosthesis and a short adaptation period. According to the UFSBD, which cites the DREES, around 42% of people over 75 living at home report having lost all or nearly all their teeth: early prosthetic follow-up limits such situations.
- Complete denture: replaces all the teeth of an arch.
- Partial denture: fills in a few missing teeth.
- Cobalt-chromium denture: a lightweight and stable metal framework.
Fixed prostheses
Fixed prostheses are cemented onto prepared teeth or implants; they are not removed. The crown completely covers a badly damaged tooth to protect it, while the bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring onto the neighboring teeth.
Their strength is stability: they provide comfortable chewing and a refined aesthetic. The process follows several steps: preparation under local anesthesia, impression, laboratory fabrication, try-in, and then final cementation, with the fit checked at every stage.
- Crown: covers a single tooth to strengthen it.
- Bridge: replaces one or more teeth using the neighboring abutments.
Materials: ceramic and zirconia
Ceramic offers a very natural, translucent finish, close to enamel, ideal for the front teeth. Zirconia, a reinforced ceramic, combines high strength and biocompatibility and is especially suitable for molars and bridges, where chewing forces are significant.
Without a metal framework, it avoids grey margins at the gum line and reduces the risk of allergies. The practitioner recommends the material best suited to the position of the tooth.
- Ceramic: maximum aesthetics for the anterior teeth.
- Zirconia: very strong, for molars and bridges.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: a proven and economical option.
Implants: a modern alternative
A dental implant is an artificial titanium root placed in the bone, on which a crown or bridge is then fitted. Unlike a conventional bridge, it does not require shaping the neighboring teeth, which preserves the natural tooth structure.
This approach requires sufficient bone quality and a healing period of several weeks; the cost is higher, but the lifespan is generally longer. According to the WHO, complete tooth loss affects nearly 7% of adults aged 20 and over, i.e. more than 350 million people worldwide, according to its 2022 global oral health report.
Maintenance and follow-up
Whatever the prosthesis, daily hygiene determines how long it lasts. For a fixed prosthesis, brush as you would for natural teeth, paying particular attention under the crown and around the bridge abutments, using dental floss or interdental brushes.
A removable prosthesis should be cleaned every day with a dedicated brush and mild soap; regular toothpastes, which are too abrasive, are not recommended. It should be removed at night to let the mucous membranes rest.
- Brushing twice a day and flossing for fixed prostheses.
- Daily cleaning and removal at night for removable prostheses.
- An annual check-up at the clinic, in Agadir, to verify the fit.
With regular follow-up, a well-maintained prosthesis keeps its comfort and aesthetics for many years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a fixed and a removable prosthesis?
A fixed prosthesis (crown, bridge) is cemented onto the teeth or implants: it is not removed and offers stability close to that of a natural tooth. A removable prosthesis (denture) is taken out and put back in by the patient for hygiene and at night. The choice depends on the number of missing teeth and the patient's preferences.
How long does a dental crown last?
With good hygiene and regular follow-up, a ceramic or zirconia crown generally lasts between 10 and 15 years, sometimes longer. Its longevity depends on the quality of the fit and on maintenance. Annual visits help prevent wear or loosening.
Is getting a crown painful?
Tooth preparation is performed under local anesthesia, so the procedure is painless. Slight sensitivity may occur in the following days and usually disappears quickly. Dr. Hikmat checks your comfort at every step, from the impression to the final cementation.
How should I care for a dental prosthesis?
A removable prosthesis should be cleaned every day with a suitable brush and a gentle product, then removed at night to let the gums rest. A fixed prosthesis should be brushed like a natural tooth, paying attention under the crown and around the bridge. An annual check-up at the clinic completes this maintenance.