What is Prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. Becoming a prosthodontist in the U.S. requires an additional three years of postgraduate specialty training after obtaining a dental degree. Prosthodontist training consists of rigorous clinical and didactic preparation in the basic sciences, head and neck anatomy, biomedical sciences, biomaterial sciences, function of occlusion (bite), treatment planning, experience treating full-mouth reconstruction cases, and esthetics.
When would your dentist recommend consulting a prosthodontist?
Generally, you will need a prosthodontist if:
- You are missing one or more teeth.
- You are interested in dental implants.
- You wear dentures or removable partial dentures.
- You want to improve the esthetics of your smile.
Nature of Prosthodontic Treatment
The specific nature of prosthodontic treatment will depend on several factors such as the type, location, and severity of the defect or injury and a patient’s age and health status. Generally, the treatments of injuries to teeth involve replanting (replacing any displaced teeth) and treating fractures in the supporting bone.
Depending on your individual condition and needs, we offer removable or fixed prosthodontic options. With removable prosthodontics, a removable prosthesis is used to substitute for missing teeth, which is commonly called a denture. In the past, pretty much all dental restoration techniques involved removable prosthodontics.
Fixed prosthodontics are used to restore teeth with restorations such as crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers attached to implant posts. Even though they may be preferred by many, there are certain conditions in which removable prosthodontics are the best option. When developing your prosthodontic treatment options, we will work diligently with you to make the best prosthetic device possible.
Steps involved in developing a prosthetic device
To begin with, a mold of your existing teeth and gums will be taken. Several impressions may be made depending upon the type of prosthodontic treatment you need. These molds and impressions will be used to build your realistic and natural-looking prosthetic device. We’ll make sure to get all of the details correct the first time so that it is comfortable, provides the function necessary, and delivers the natural look you desire.