What is Prosthodontics and what does a Prosthodontist do?
Prosthodontics is the official recognized dental specialty for replacing missing teeth using crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, and dental implants. They are also the only residency-training program for dental specialist to treat esthetic and cosmetic tooth problems and smile concerns.
A Prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed a residency training program to restore oral function, comfort, and appearance. They treat patients who have missing teeth, worn teeth, jaw problems, or complex dental conditions such as those who have been in accidents, or will lose all of their teeth due to decay or gum disease.
How do I know if I need Prosthodontic treatment?
You may need a specialist in Prosthodontics to evaluate or treat you if you have or need implants, missing teeth, broken or damaged front teeth, difficulty chewing, jaw discomfort, uncomfortable dentures or want to improve the way your smile looks.
What is the difference between a Dentist and a Prosthodontist?
General Dentists provide routine dental care, while Prosthodontists have additional years of specialized training in tooth replacement, cosmetic restorations, implants, and full mouth rehabilitation. Many General Dentists choose a Prosthodontist to be their Dentist because they have more advanced skills and training.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants are Titanium anchors placed into the jawbone that can be used to replace missing teeth. They support crowns, bridges, or dentures and function like natural teeth.
How long do Dental Implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last many years. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are important. Many objective scientific studies have confirmed that Dental Implants that are planned and restored by Prosthodontists last longer and have fewer complications than by any other type of Dentist.
What are Dentures and Partials?
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They can be replace all of your teeth (full) or just some (partial).
Removable Complete Denture
- Can be taken out and cleaned
- Usually made with acrylic, and rests on the gum tissue
- Can be attached to dental implants to reduce movement and improve comfort.
Removable Partial Denture
- Can be taken out and cleaned
- Usually made with acrylic, metal, or flexible material
Why is a Partial Denture Needed?
A partial denture helps:
- Restore chewing ability
- Improve speech
- Maintain facial appearance
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting
How long does it take to get dentures?
Some dentures can be made quickly, but they often don’t fit very well for long. To make well-fitting dentures that last a long time, the process may take several weeks because it involves multiple appointments for molds, fittings, try-ins and adjustments.
Will dentures look natural?
YES! Modern dentures made by Prosthodontists, the denture experts, are designed to look very natural and improve facial appearance, speech, and chewing ability.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Yes, but it may take time to adjust. Patients are usually advised to begin with soft foods and gradually return to normal eating habits.
What is a dental crown?
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or weak tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.
What is a bridge?
A dental bridge is a replacement for one or more missing teeth made by attaching several crowns together using the neighboring natural teeth or implants.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
Studies show that Crowns and Bridges typically last 10–15 years or longer with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.
What is full mouth reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction is the set of procedures that involves rebuilding or replacing most or all teeth to restore oral health, function, and aesthetics. This should only be done by trained specialists as it can be a very complex procedure. Only trained specialists in Prosthodontics should be trusted to successfully treat you if your need all of your teeth replaced.
Can prosthodontic treatment improve appearance?
Absolutely! One of the main reasons that patients choose a Prosthodontist is for Esthetic Dental Treatment such as veneers, crowns, implants, and dentures is because they can greatly improve smile appearance and facial support.
How do I care for dental restorations?
Floss at least twice a day, brush regularly, avoid chewing very hard foods, and visit your prosthodontist for routine checkups and professional cleaning.
Are prosthodontic procedures expensive?
Costs vary depending on the treatment. Dental implants and full mouth rehabilitation are generally more expensive than removable dentures, but they tend to last longer, require less maintenance, and allow more comfortable function.
Is prosthodontic treatment covered by insurance?
Some treatments may be partially covered by dental insurance. Coverage depends on the insurance plan and procedure.
What materials are used in crowns?
Crowns may be made from tooth-colored ceramics, resins, metal alloys, or combinations of these materials.