Prosthodontics

procedures

Prosthodontics is the specialized field of dentistry concerned with diagnosing, planning and executing restorative and cosmetic treatments.

Your dentist may refer you to a prosthodontist for:

Creation of partial or full sets of dentures
Filling gaps created by one or more missing teeth with the treatment of a bridge or denture
Interest in dental implants

What treatments can a prosthodontist perform?

Prosthodontic treatments are designed to be functional, long lasting and pleasing to the eye. These procedures can only be completed on generally healthy teeth, issues like gum disease need to be controlled before prosthodontic treatments can begin.

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 implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone by a dentist or Periodontist – a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile! Dental implants are strong and durable and will last many years. On occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space
Restore a patient’s confident smile
Restore chewing, speech, and digestion
Restore or enhance facial tissues
Support a bridge or denture, making each more secure and comfortable

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months. X-rays and digital impressions are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene and eating habits, alongside regular dental visits, will aid in the life of your new implant.

Dental Bridges

There are several types of bridges. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

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.

Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacing or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

Fill space of missing teeth
Maintain facial shape
Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
Restore chewing and speaking ability
Restore your smile
Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate digital impression is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.

At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and permanently placed to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily place the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently placed later.

You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of the procedure. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new, permanent bridge.

Dentures and Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue, restoring both function and appearance. Custom-made to closely resemble natural teeth, dentures can improve chewing, speech, and the overall look of your smile. While we do not make dentures in our office, we work closely with a trusted denturist who designs and fabricates your dentures to suit your individual needs, ensuring a comfortable fit and natural-looking results.

There are two types of dentures:

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 and prevent natural teeth from moving.

Complete Dentures – A complete set of dentures can be created for people who have no teeth due to gum disease, trauma or neglect. Complete dentures restore functionality to the mouth and make chewing and speaking easier.

A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually takes 4 to 6 weeks). During this time, the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for dentures:

Complete Denture – Loss of all teeth in an arch
Partial Denture – Loss of several teeth in an arch
Enhancing smile and facial tissues
Improving chewing, speech, and digestion

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over a period of several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

What other problems can a prosthodontist treat?

In addition to performing the treatments described above, the prosthodontist is also adept at treating problems with the jaw (TMJ), alleviating severe snoring, managing sleep apnea, and reconstructing the teeth following oral cancer treatments. Generally, the prosthodontist works in combination with other dental health professionals to ensure the best possible restorative results are achieved.