PONTIC - PORCELAIN/CERAMIC (D6245)

Name of the Procedure:

Common Name: Porcelain/Ceramic Pontic
Technical Term: D6245 Pontic - Porcelain/Ceramic

Summary

A porcelain or ceramic pontic is a dental procedure used to replace a missing tooth with an artificial one, creating a natural-looking result. The pontic is part of a dental bridge that fills the gap left by the missing tooth.

Purpose

Pontic procedures address tooth loss due to decay, injury, or congenital absence. The primary goal is to restore both the function and aesthetics of the patient's dentition, improving chewing efficiency and appearance.

Indications

• Missing tooth or teeth
• Dental gaps impacting chewing or speech
• Desire to improve smile aesthetics
• Preventing adjacent teeth from shifting

Preparation

• Comprehensive dental examination
• Dental X-rays or digital scans
• Possible dental cleaning
• Instructions to maintain oral hygiene
• Consultation regarding anesthesia or sedation options

Procedure Description

1. Assessment and Planning: A thorough dental examination is conducted to plan the bridge.
2. Tooth Preparation: Adjacent teeth (abutment teeth) are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for crowns.
3. Impression Taking: An impression or digital scan of the teeth is taken to create a custom-fit bridge.
4. Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared teeth.
5. Fabrication: The pontic and crowns are fabricated in a dental laboratory.
6. Fitting: The temporary bridge is removed, and the final porcelain/ceramic bridge is fitted and adjusted for comfort.
7. Cementation: The bridge is cemented into place.

Tools and Technology: Dental drills, impressions materials, digital scanners, and dental cement.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is typically used.

Duration

The procedure spans multiple visits: initial exam and preparation, followed by fitting and cementing. Each visit can last from 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

Typically performed in a dental office or outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Dentist or prosthodontist
• Dental assistant

Risks and Complications

• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain or discomfort
• Infection
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Dislodgement of the bridge

Benefits

• Restores natural appearance and function
• Improves speech and chewing
• Prevents shifting of nearby teeth
• Durable and long-lasting solution

Recovery

• Mild discomfort managed with over-the-counter pain relief
• Soft diet for a few days
• Maintain oral hygiene
• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor the bridge

Alternatives

• Dental implants: More invasive but provides a permanent solution
• Removable dentures: Less costly but might be less comfortable
• No treatment: Risk of further dental issues due to gaps

Patient Experience

Patients may feel some discomfort during and after the procedure. Pain is generally mild and managed with medication. Post-procedure, patients may experience a temporary adjustment period but will typically enjoy improved dental function and aesthetics within a few days to weeks.