Name of the Procedure:

PONTIC - INDIRECT RESIN BASED COMPOSITE (D6205)

• Common Name: Dental Bridge, Resin-based Composite Pontic
• Technical Terms: Indirect Resin Tooth Pontic, Composite Dental Pontic

Summary

The PONTIC - INDIRECT RESIN BASED COMPOSITE procedure involves creating a replacement tooth (pontic) using a resin-based composite material. This artificial tooth fills the gap left by a missing tooth and is attached to adjacent teeth (abutments) or dental implants for support.

Purpose

• Addresses: Tooth loss, gaps between teeth
• Goals/Outcomes: Restores function and aesthetics of the missing tooth area, improves chewing, maintains dental alignment, enhances smile appearance.

Indications

• Conditions: Missing tooth/teeth, dental gaps, broken or severely decayed tooth that requires extraction
• Criteria: Patients with adjacent healthy teeth or implants; sufficient bone density and gum health

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Good oral hygiene, possibly a dental cleaning
• Assessments: Dental examination, possibly X-rays or 3D imaging

Procedure Description

1. Tooth Preparation: The adjacent teeth (abutments) are prepared by reshaping to fit a dental crown.
2. Impression Taking: Impressions of the prepared area and bite are taken for accurate fabrication.
3. Pontic Fabrication: The dental lab manufactures the pontic using resin-based composite material.
4. Fitting: The fabricated pontic is adjusted if needed and then cemented into place using dental bonding agents.
5. Final Adjustments: Bite alignment is checked, and the pontic is polished.

• Tools/Equipment: Dental drill, impression materials, composite resin, cement
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia for patient comfort

Duration

• Typical Time: Approximately 1-2 hours, may require multiple visits for fitting and adjustments

Setting

• Location: Outpatient dental clinic or dental office

Personnel

• Involved Professionals: Dentist, Dental Assistant, Dental Lab Technician

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Tooth sensitivity, discomfort, potential for gum irritation
• Rare Complications: Infection, allergic reaction to materials, pontic detachment, or failure

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Improved dental function (chewing, speaking), aesthetic enhancement, maintained dental structure alignment
• Realization Time: Immediate functional improvement, full benefits usually felt within a few weeks

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Maintain oral hygiene, avoid hard or sticky foods initially, follow dentist's care instructions
• Recovery Time: Usually a few days to a week. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity
• Follow-up: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings

Alternatives

• Other Options: Dental implants, removable dentures, traditional metal-based bridges
• Pros/Cons: Implants offer a permanent solution but are more invasive; removable dentures are less stable; metal-based bridges are stronger but less aesthetic

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Local anesthesia should minimize pain; patients may feel pressure or mild discomfort.
• After Procedure: Mild soreness or sensitivity is common initially. Over-the-counter pain medications can help.
• Comfort Measures: Soft food diet, good oral hygiene, and proper aftercare are crucial for healing and comfort.