What Services are Provided by Dental Laboratories?

Dental labs are the places where different corrective devices and instruments are prepared for restorative and other dentistry. Dental labs are related to almost every teeth treatment. No dental lab work independently. Some certified and highly qualified dentists supervise lab technicians. Furthermore, planning, designing, and fabricating dental prostheses is also done by communicating with the dentist.

Different dental solutions are directly linked to labs. Manufacturing and customization of different dental products are done in the labs under the supervision and guidance of highly qualified dentists.

The main purpose of everything done in the laboratory is the maintenance of good oral health of patients. To know more about dental laboratories and their importance, you need to go through the services provided by them. Most of the services by the dental lab are related to restorative dentistry.

Dental Imaging for Restoration

Dental imaging is the first thing done during dental lab work. They are required for the analysis of issues. The following are the key types of dental imaging and processing.

Panoramic X-rays

It involves the x-rays of the whole head. A machine revolved around the head and an image of the whole skull along with teeth can be visualized. Dentists can examine the condition of teeth from this image.

Multi-slice Computed Tomography (MCT)

It involves the imaging and processing of different sections of the mouth in the form of slices. A single slice becomes visible and the rest is blurred. It is an important method for visualizing the places that are unreachable by normal x-rays.

Cephalometric Projections

These projections involve the clear imaging of teeth placement in the jaws. Orthodontists supervise this imaging technique in the laboratory. It allows them to check the alignment of teeth and see where they need to align teeth properly.

Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT)

This technique is similar to CT Scans in general hospitals. As it is performed in a dental lab, it is related to teeth imaging only. A three-dimensional picture of a specific tooth can be seen via this process. It helps dentists to examine teeth from every side and check the problem area. After that, they can easily solve the issue.

Ceramic Restorations

These restorations are mostly done for a single tooth only. Usually, a dental lab technician makes crowns or other parts of teeth. Following are the key ceramic restoration technologies that are involved in the services of a laboratory.

All Ceramic-CAD CAM Technology

It is the most advanced method used to repair damaged dental crowns. It involves the usage of an optical scanner to deeply examine the teeth’s condition. After that, perfect dental crowns are prepared for the patient’s tooth. Apart from crowns, the same method is used to prepare veneers, inlays, and dental bridges as well. The basic purpose of using this technique is to prepare highly customized crowns or bridges for different patients.

Metal Ceramics

Metal ceramics are also prepared in the dental labs. These are also known as the cerements. A mixture of metal with ceramics. Metals used are usually high-quality alloys. Copper, Gold, Zinc, and Titanium are some common metals used for making metal ceramics. This mixture looks attractive as it matches perfectly with the tooth color. Apart from that, it is very durable and withstands temperature, pressure, and other conditions.

Dental Milling Service

Dental milling services are also provided by dental labs. Dental milling is the process of manufacturing different tooth parts. It is used to manufacture primary parts only. Crowns, dentures, removable dental prostheses, and temporary prostheses are prepared by using this technique. Secondary parts are usually fabricated by the typical casting techniques.

Dentures

Dentures are also prepared by the labs. In fact, specialized dental labs for dentures are present in different cities and states to cast customized dentures for patients. Following are some key types of dentures prepared by lab technicians.

Classic dentures

These are the simplest types of dentures. Every type of ordinary denture involving full dentures, partial dentures, temporary dentures, and fixed bridges is prepared in the laboratory. After that, dentists fix these dentures.

Dentures with Attachments

These are specialized dentures that are very precise. Dentures can be prepared in any laboratory. However, precise attachments are prepared in high-tech dental labs only. These attachments help in fixing dentures on specific teeth. With attachments, it becomes easy for patients to remove them for sleeping or other purposes.

Denture Clasps

These are tiny wires but are of key importance as these are the main things that hold dentures in their place. These are prepared in dental labs. After that, adjusting them with dentures is the main work that lab technicians have to do. Without clasps, dentures may fall from your teeth every minute.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are used to replace teeth that have been lost or decayed completely. However, preparing dentures is not that easy. Dental laboratory workers have to communicate with dentists before casting them.

After that, the selection of the material, customization of implants, and every other thing related to it is quite a time taking. Once implants are prepared, customized crowns are also prepared to adjust on these implants.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, dental labs provide a lot of services to restore the functionality of damaged teeth. However, it’s important that you select the right laboratory for your dental work.