TCB in dentistry commonly refers to a Temporary Crown Bridge. It's a provisional restoration used while a permanent crown or bridge is being fabricated.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Temporary: The restoration is intended for short-term use, typically weeks or months.
- Crown: A crown is a restoration that covers a single damaged tooth.
- Bridge: A bridge spans a gap where one or more teeth are missing, attaching to adjacent teeth (abutments) for support.
Therefore, a TCB can either be a temporary crown for a single tooth or a temporary bridge replacing missing teeth.
Purpose of a Temporary Crown or Bridge (TCB):
- Protection: Protects the prepared tooth/teeth from sensitivity, damage, and shifting.
- Function: Maintains chewing function to some extent.
- Aesthetics: Provides a more pleasing appearance while the permanent restoration is being made.
- Space Maintenance: In the case of a bridge, it prevents adjacent teeth from drifting into the space.
- Gingival Health: Helps maintain healthy gum tissue around the prepared tooth/teeth.
Materials used for TCBs:
TCBs are typically made from materials like:
- Acrylic resins: These are relatively inexpensive and easy to work with.
- Composite resins: Offer better strength and aesthetics compared to acrylics.
- Pre-fabricated metal shells: These are sometimes used for posterior teeth when strength is a primary concern.
Procedure:
A dental professional will prepare the tooth/teeth and take an impression. A temporary restoration is then fabricated, either directly in the mouth or indirectly on a model, and cemented in place using temporary cement. A product called PROFILLER TCB is a radiopaque material used in chemically cured treatments for this purpose, setting relatively quickly after mixing.
Important Considerations:
- TCBs are not as strong or durable as permanent restorations.
- Patients should avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the TCB.
- Proper oral hygiene is crucial to maintain the health of the gums around the TCB.
- TCBs should only be in place for the prescribed time (usually a few weeks) until the permanent restoration is ready.
