A tab is an artificial restoration that eliminates a tooth defect formed during carious formation. In other words, this is a seal, for the manufacture of which is required not a mouth, but a special laboratory.
Definition
This is a synthetic miniature prosthesis fixed at the site of removed lesions to reproduce the original anatomical shape. In fact, these are peculiar fillings that are made according to a pre-made cast in laboratory conditions. This technology belongs to the types of fixed prosthetics. As a result of long manual work, a finished tab comes out that will be ideally placed in a previously prepared cavity.
Most often, such elements are installed by dentists on the back teeth. These devices are sometimes used in the prosthetics process as supporting structures for bridge prostheses.
Types of tabs in the teeth
The following types are primarily distinguished:
- stump, it is installed in place of the lost fragment, after which a crown is placed on it;
- restorative, used to completely restore the shape and coloring of the teeth.
And also they can be divided according to the materials used for the manufacture of:
- ceramic;
- metal;
- plastic
- composite;
- metal-ceramic.
There is also a molded tab in the tooth, which can be of two different types. The difference between them is only in the materials used for manufacturing. It can be zirconia or simple pressed ceramics.
Why is a tab better than fillings?
The dissatisfaction of society with modern materials for filling is caused by many attempts to find new technologies for replacing hard dental tissues. Multifunctional material could completely solve the problems exposed, if it would maximally meet the existing requirements.
But today such a tool has not yet been developed, so modern dentistry offers a huge number of fillings, choosing the best one for a particular client.
The main negative quality of all products is poor sealing. A material such as a seal is characterized by shrinkage during polymerization. As a result, it exfoliates, and microcracks form. If replacement is carried out very often, then there is a serious risk of deepening and expanding the carious cavity and, as a result, complete destruction. Therefore, to date, specialists have come up with a tab in the tooth. What kind of construction it is is already known, and it has a number of advantages that make it the material of the future.
- Durability and reliability. To create, very solid compounds are used, which in their characteristics are similar to enamel.
- There is no shrinkage process after time.
- Durability. The service life is much higher than that of a conventional seal. The average life span varies from 7 to 10 years when installed even on teeth damaged by very large damage.
- Comfort and convenience. At the time of attachment of such a device there is no need to constantly keep your mouth open so that saliva does not get into the treated area. The stump tab is fixed for several minutes.
- Accuracy. Caries never reappears due to the use of high quality installation, as a result, the design is very firmly attached to the dental tissues.
- Persistent coloring. After time, the element does not change its tone and does not darken. It fully retains its originality until the end of its life.
Prosthetics
In dentistry, a huge number of methods are used to fully or partially restore lost teeth. One of the quality options is a tab in the tooth. That few people know that this is such a wonderful method, therefore it is necessary to point out that it belongs to the category of fixed prosthetics and is used when the classical filling is no longer suitable for restoration, but the time for removal has not yet come. The selected method is highly efficient and affordable.
Prosthetics with such elements is used in cases where the tooth is more than half damaged, and installation implies the formation of a stump tab directly under the root. It is modeled in such a way that in the future it was possible to apply a crown on top, which should lie on the tooth as firmly as possible. Such an element is formed according to an individual sketch, leaving the problems of a particular client.
Manufacturing methods
To create such an exact copy of the patient’s tooth, only laboratory conditions are used, in which several methods are used.
1. Direct, an impression is taken from the patient’s damaged tooth, and after that a prosthesis begins to be made on it. A special wax is used for this procedure. This option is selected most often. The main disadvantage of the technology is that the patient’s bite is not taken into account.
2. Indirect, for this case, a more extensive cast is made, which is done immediately on two jaws. This is necessary in order to take into account all the features of a particular patient. From a financial point of view, the client will pay more. Since it takes more effort and time of a specialist, but such a tab in the tooth under the crown is worth the money and effort. It is important that in the manufacture of the master will fully take into account all the structural features of the dentition and jaw of a particular patient. This means that after prosthetics the client will not feel even the slightest discomfort. There is another undeniable advantage, it consists in the fact that all the stages of fitting and fitting are performed without the direct presence of a person, thereby saving him time. After all, the doctor has a complete cast available, which helps to solve such a problem. If the ceramic or metal insert in the tooth does not fit, then its change can also be carried out without the presence of the patient.
3. Computer simulation in 3D. This option is used relatively recently. He is the most faithful, since the program is responsible for the accuracy. With its help, a model is formed for the future tab, and then specialists are engaged in its manufacture.
Material selection
It should be noted that installing a tab in the tooth is a very serious event, and its composition also needs to be taken with all responsibility. The patient should deal with such a matter directly with his attending physician. It is still necessary to choose the material from which the crown will be made, which further beautifully shapes the oral cavity.
1. The alloy of chromium and cobalt is perfect for prosthetics made of cermet or metal.
2. The titanium tab becomes very high quality. This alloy is considered ideal in terms of performance and biocompatibility. But he also has a significant minus, he is quite fragile.
3. For ceramics, compositions of precious metals are ideal. The most commonly used platinum or gold. They can also be zirconia coated.
4. The plastic insert in the tooth is temporary and is set for the comfort of patients, while they wait for the manufacture of permanent.
5. Silver and palladium have good bactericidal characteristics. But there are also disadvantages, such compounds can stain the gums.
6. Chrome and cobalt together with nickel do not shrink and have high strength values.
Training
In order to qualitatively form a new tooth for the patient, it is necessary to correctly install the tab in the tooth. What this method is, it is already clear from the material above, and each dentist will confirm: this option is considered very effective.
To prepare one or more elements, you must perform the following steps:
- go through an examination with a doctor who will determine the condition of the cavity, and then prescribe a treatment plan;
- pre-process;
- make a mold;
- put a temporary crown.
Installation
The procedure is practically no different from conventional prosthetics, but also has at least small, but its own nuances.
1. Initially, a specialist performs a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity. Then he will give recommendations and advice on rehabilitation and methods of making a tab in the teeth for prosthetics for a particular client.
2. A qualified dentist can perform the necessary procedures to remove dental tissue if they were initially affected by carious formations. Since if this is not done, then the infection will switch to healthy teeth in the future .
3. Then the doctor makes an impression completely of the place where the material will be inserted, and then sends it to the laboratory for further formation and processing.
4. For the manufacture of tabs, only the composition that was previously agreed by the doctor and patient is used.
5. Then the client is invited to the clinic, and an already made model is tried on him. This is done in order to make sure that it accurately repeats the necessary sizes and colors of the remaining teeth.
6. If everything fits, then the dentist fixes it using a specially designed adhesive.
7. At the final stage, the formed prosthesis is polished in order to remove all irregularities and equalize the differences between natural fabrics and artificial products.
Pain under the tab
Today, with the help of innovative materials, it is possible to make designs that will fit qualitatively and tightly to the gums. However, all people are individual, and some have an increased sensitivity, and if so, then pain appears, which can also cause an insert in the tooth. High-quality prosthetics performed using this design will be appreciated by many satisfied customers, but all people are different, and the materials used are not always ideal for them.
When unpleasant sensations are observed after the installation of the artificial product, it is imperative to consult a dentist. If this is not done, then it is likely that the tooth will completely collapse and simply fall out in the future.
It happens that an inexperienced doctor or technician may violate the rules for installing or manufacturing a tab. Therefore, if the structure being manufactured does not fit tightly, caries may form under it. Although often patients forget that everything has its own life, and the tab is no exception. There is a possibility that it requires just a replacement, since it has become unusable. After the expiration of 10 years, it is necessary for the dentist to arrive so that he will replace the design with another. It should be noted that the materials for the manufacture are completely harmless and do not carry any danger to the patient.
Price
Today, many dentists recommend that their customers use a tooth tab instead of a filling. What it is is already clear, but the cost is still unclear. The formation of prices is influenced by several factors, namely:
- the material from which it is made;
- the required form;
- the status of the medical institution where the client is served.
The first points are decisive for determining the final cost. The following is the approximate price of the service in rubles using the same fairly inexpensive materials:
- 1 root - from 2500;
- 2 roots - from 3500;
- 3 roots - from 4500.
If the client chooses better materials, then the cost, of course, will increase. For example, if it is decided to use zirconium inlays, then for 1 product it will be necessary to pay at least 8000. In a clinic with a good name, up to 25000 will be requested for such services. If the client chooses ceramics, then you will need to pay at least 20,000.
Care
In order for the installed structures to last as long as possible, the following simple rules are required.
1. Regularly brush your teeth, and rinse your mouth after each meal.
2. Refuse complex loads (food should be more sparing).
3. Be sure to visit the dentist several times a year to carry out preventive measures. Only he can accurately determine the condition of the tooth under the tab. If you notice the processes of destruction in time, then you can protect yourself from a large number of problems. In case of damage to the prosthesis, harmful bacteria will begin to penetrate, deforming and destroying it. Therefore, examinations must be taken, this will allow you to keep your mouth in order.
Indications and contraindications
There are conditions in which doctors recommend installing a dental tab:
- severe caries, which affected more than 60% of tissues;
- increased cavity size;
- damage after injury;
- congenital pathologies (dysplasia, hyperplasia);
- existing clinical ailments;
- for protection against wear of a very sensitive surface and opposed units;
- when installing bridge prostheses;
- modeling along with root structures;
- closing using a crown;
- mechanical damage.
There are also cases where setting tabs is strictly prohibited:
- a small depth of the tooth cavity;
- increased activity of the appearance of carious processes;
- non-compliance with oral hygiene.
What to do next?
After the patient got out of the dentist's chair, he must understand that now he needs to follow all the advice of the attending doctor. For example, use brushes with soft bristles, properly clean interdental spaces and visit a doctor twice a year. At this time, check not only the health of the teeth, but also the condition of the tabs.