What is prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is one of the nine fields of dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. It involves the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function, health, appearance, and comfort of patients with dental conditions involving missing or deficient teeth and oral and maxillofacial issues.
What is a prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed 3 additional years of advanced training and education following dental school. Prosthodontists specialize in treating dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing tooth and jaw structures, and are highly trained in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, TMJ disorders, and other treatments.
Why should I see a prosthodontist?
Prosthodontists have received advanced education and are extensive trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating complex dental conditions. They have a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile and the preservation of a healthy mouth, and can effectively restore the function and appearance of your teeth and smile to improve your oral health.
How is prosthodontics different from dentistry?
Prosthodontists are THE recognized experts when anything needs to be done in your mouth. They are considered the leaders of the dental treatment plan and regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals in developing solutions and providing treatments for your dental needs.
What types of procedures does a prosthodontist perform?
Prosthodontists are experts in dental rehabilitation and can provide a wide range of treatments from single tooth replacements to full arch replacements. They make use of crowns, bridges, veneers, partial dentures, complete dentures, and dental implants to help restore the function, comfort, and esthetics of your smile.
Why is it important to replace missing teeth?
Missing teeth have a significant effect on your oral health and your appearance. When you are missing a tooth, you have a gap in your smile, and your remaining teeth begin to shift to fill in the empty space. This causes teeth that are straight and healthy to tilt, making them unstable and more likely to be lost in the future. It also makes it more difficult to eat and places additional stress on your remaining teeth, and can cause your facial tissues to “cave in,” giving you an older and less appealing overall appearance.
Replacing your teeth ensures that you retain a beautiful, attractive smile and that your teeth remain healthy and functional.
Will a prosthodontist complete my entire treatment?
Prosthodontists will likely be involved throughout your entire treatment. As the leaders of your treatment plan, they may work with dental specialists to establish a solid foundation for your restorations. Your prosthodontist will design a treatment plan specific to you, and work to help achieve that oral health goal.
Do you also perform cosmetic dentistry?
At Dayton Comprehensive Dentistry, we offer cosmetic dentistry to augment and enhance a healthy smile. It is never a substitute for healthy oral function. We offer a variety of treatments to restore and improve your smile and your oral health, including full mouth reconstruction, implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals, inlays, onlays, veneers, teeth whitening, snore guards, mouth guards, extractions, and treatments for bruxism.
