PFM
PFM is a metal shell with porcelain layered over it. It is strong, it is the more affordable of the two, and over time a thin dark line can show at the gum.
Caps and bridges
We fit caps and bridges
A cap and a crown are the same thing. It covers a tooth that is damaged or broken. A bridge replaces one that is missing.
We reply within one to two hours.
Who needs a crown?
A crown goes over a tooth that is cracked, broken or damaged, and covers it.
A bridge fills the gap where a tooth is missing. The teeth either side carry it, which is why more than one tooth is prepared.
After a root canal, a cap goes over the tooth. That is what holds the tooth together afterwards.
What happens in the chair
Two visits, with the lab in between.
At the first visit, about 45 minutes to an hour, the tooth is shaped, an impression or scan is taken, and a temporary crown is fitted.
The lab then makes the permanent one, usually in five to ten days.
At the second visit, about half an hour, the crown is tried in, the fit and the bite are adjusted, and it is cemented.
A bridge takes the same two visits, with more than one tooth prepared.
If you want to see the tooth Dr Abaid is working on, the camera puts it on the screen beside you.
PFM or zirconia?
Zirconia
Zirconia is one solid ceramic block, with no metal. It is closer to a real tooth to look at, and it costs more.
Where the tooth sits usually settles it. Back teeth are less visible, which leans towards PFM. A front tooth leans towards zirconia.
What it costs
From PKR 5,000.
What it comes to depends on the material, since zirconia costs more than PFM, and on how many teeth are involved, since a bridge needs more than one prepared.
The final cost is confirmed once Dr Abaid has looked at the tooth.
If something goes wrong
- PFM
- "If the porcelain chips it can usually be repaired. The metal underneath is covered for as long as the crown is in place."
- Zirconia, single unit
- if it breaks within the first two years, it is replaced free.
- Zirconia bridge, eight to ten units
- replaced free within the first year.
- Any crown or bridge that comes loose
- re-cemented free within the first year. After that there is a small re-cementing charge, around PKR 500.
FAQ
Questions you might have
How long will it last?
PFM: if the porcelain chips it can usually be repaired, and the metal underneath is covered for as long as the crown is in place. Zirconia, single unit: replaced free if it breaks within the first two years. A zirconia bridge of eight to ten units: replaced free within the first year.
What if it comes loose?
It is re-cemented free within the first year. After that there is a small re-cementing charge, around PKR 500.
How long does it take?
Two visits. The tooth is shaped and a temporary crown fitted at the first, the lab takes five to ten days, and the permanent one is fitted and cemented at the second.
What does it cost?
From PKR 5,000. The final cost is confirmed once Dr Abaid has looked at the tooth.
Will it hurt?
Anaesthetic gel or spray goes on the gum before any injection, and you are given antibiotics and painkillers afterwards.
How quickly will you reply?
We reply on WhatsApp within one to two hours.