Crowns, bridges and dentures in Palakollu
Rebuilding broken teeth and replacing missing ones, crowns, bridges, and dentures that actually stay put.
Crowns cap and protect a damaged tooth, bridges fill a gap by anchoring to the teeth on either side, and dentures replace several or all missing teeth removably. All three are prosthodontics, the speciality Dr. K. M. Raghavendra holds an MDS in. Most cases take two to four visits over two to four weeks, with the laboratory work done between appointments.
Crown materials, compared plainly
| Material | Looks like a real tooth | Strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia | Very good | Very high | Back teeth, heavy biters, most cases |
| Layered zirconia / porcelain-fused | Excellent | High | Front teeth where appearance matters most |
| Lithium disilicate (E-max type) | Excellent | Good | Single front crowns and veneers |
| Metal-ceramic | Good, can show a dark line at the gum over time | High | Budget-conscious back-tooth work |
| Full metal | Poor | Highest | Rear molars where nothing shows |
Dentures: what to expect honestly
Complete dentures restore appearance and chewing, but they sit on gum and bone rather than being anchored. Upper dentures generally hold well by suction. Lower dentures are harder, because the tongue and a smaller ridge work against them. This is a physical fact, not a sign your denture was made badly.
If a lower denture will not stay put, two implants to retain it usually solves the problem completely. It is the most commonly life-changing treatment we do for EHS pensioners.
| Type | Replaces | Holds by | Typical visits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete denture | All teeth in an arch | Suction and ridge fit | 4 to 5 |
| Partial denture (acrylic) | Some teeth | Clasps on remaining teeth | 3 to 4 |
| Cast partial denture | Some teeth | Metal framework, better fit | 4 to 5 |
| Flexible denture | Some teeth | Flexible resin, no metal clasps visible | 3 to 4 |
| Implant-retained denture | All teeth in an arch | Clips onto implants | Implant timeline |
Getting used to a new denture
Week one
Increased saliva, a full feeling, some difficulty with certain sounds. All normal. Eat soft food cut small, chew on both sides at once.
Sore spots
Almost everyone gets one or two. Come in and let us adjust it, do not file it yourself and do not stop wearing it, or we cannot see where it is rubbing.
Weeks two to six
Speech normalises, chewing improves. Practise reading aloud.
Long term
Clean it out of the mouth daily, leave it out at night, and expect a reline every few years as the ridge changes shape.
Indicative cost
| Treatment | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Zirconia crown | ₹ [confirm] |
| Metal-ceramic crown | ₹ [confirm] |
| Three-unit fixed bridge | ₹ [confirm] |
| Complete denture (per arch) | ₹ [confirm] |
| Cast partial denture | ₹ [confirm] |
| Flexible partial denture | ₹ [confirm] |
| Denture reline / repair | ₹ [confirm] |
Honest limitations
- A bridge requires the healthy teeth on either side to be trimmed down permanently. That is a real cost, and it is why we discuss implants first when both are viable.
- Dentures need relining or remaking as the jaw ridge shrinks. Nobody's denture lasts forever.
- Crowns can chip and can come loose. Grinding your teeth at night shortens their life, a night guard helps.
- No crown looks exactly like the tooth beside it in every light. Very good is achievable; perfect is a photograph, not a mouth.
We are empanelled under the Employees Health Scheme (EHS) and the Working Journalists Health Scheme (WJHS). There is an Aarogya Mithra help desk inside our waiting room. Bring these:
- EHS / WJHS health card of the employee, pensioner or journalist
- Aadhaar of the patient
- Employee or pensioner ID, and proof of relationship for a dependent
Common questions
How long does a crown take?
Usually two visits about a week to ten days apart, preparation and impression, then fitting. A temporary crown protects the tooth in between. Tell us if you are travelling from out of town and we will try to compress the schedule.
My lower denture keeps slipping. Is there a fix?
Yes, usually. A reline may help if the denture has simply become loose with time. If the ridge has flattened, two implants to clip the denture onto is the reliable answer. More on implants.
Are dentures covered under EHS?
Prosthetic treatment may fall within the scheme's approved list, subject to pre-authorisation by the scheme authority. Bring your card and let our help desk check before you commit to anything.
Should I choose zirconia or metal-ceramic?
For most back teeth, zirconia. It is stronger and does not show a metal margin at the gum line as the gum recedes over years. Metal-ceramic remains a reasonable, cheaper option. We will show you both and let you decide with the price in front of you.
Not sure which treatment you need?
Bring your X-rays if you have them, or just bring the tooth that is troubling you. A consultation and examination is the honest first step. We will tell you if you do not need treatment yet.
