Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on restoring teeth and making them look as good as new. As one would expect from the name, those who practice prosthodontics must first complete three or four more years of training after dental school before they can fully take care of patients' needs in this area.

A prosthodontist is your smile's architect. They work with you to create a plan that will boost confidence and enhance what’s missing in terms of teeth, whether it be functional or aesthetic needs!

There are many reasons why a prosthodontist may be consulted, including (but not limited to):

Creation of partial or full sets of dentures.
Desire to whiten the teeth or improve the aesthetics of the smile.
Filling gaps created by one or more missing teeth.
Interest in dental implants.

What treatments can the prosthodontist perform?

Prosthodontic treatments are designed to make the teeth long lasting and functional. These procedures require generally healthy mouth for completion, but can be done on most people with gum disease under control; this way it doesn't compromise your results!

There are an ever-increasing number of hi-tech prosthodontic treatments available including the following:

Dental Implants – Implants are designed to replace the natural teeth in the best possible way. Titanium roots are implanted in the jawbone in the same way as natural tooth roots. Implants look and feel the same as natural teeth.
Dental Veneers – Veneers are porcelain/ceramic covers that are bonded to the natural teeth. Veneers can instantly solve problems like uneven teeth, stained teeth, and chips and damage caused by general wear and tear.
Dental Crowns – Prosthetic crowns are generally made from porcelain, metal or a combination of the two. They have been designed to mimic the natural crown (surface of the tooth) and can last for up to a decade, and possibly longer.
Dental Bridges – Conventional and cantilever bridges are used to support a prosthetic tooth. The natural teeth can support the bridge if they are in good condition, or dental implants may be used as anchors.
Complete Dentures – A complete set of dentures can be created for people who have no teeth due to gum disease or trauma. Complete dentures restore functionality to the mouth and make chewing and speaking easier.
Partial Dentures – Where many teeth have been lost, removable or fixed partial dentures can prove to be an excellent option. They enhance the aesthetics of the smile in addition to improving chewing abilities.

What other problems can a prosthodontist treat?

A prosthodontist is a dentist who treats patients with problems not directly related to teeth. These include TMJ, sleep apnea and oral cancer treatment complications that require restoration of the mouth after surgery or radiation therapy for survivors' needs when going back into daily life.

Related Pages:

Crowns (Caps)
Dental Implants
Dentures & Partial Dentures
Fixed Bridges
Porcelain Veneers