Prosthodontists focus on replacing missing and damaged teeth. In addition to working with oral implants, they are also concerned with examining and repairing the areas around missing teeth, namely the jaw and mouth. Typical prosthodontic procedures include fitting bridges and/or dentures.

Who needs a Prosthodontist

Any individual with missing or damaged teeth-whether they have been that way since birth or they were damaged in a recent accident-should see a prosthodontist to explore the many options available for improving or perfecting their smile.

While prosthodontists frequently handle cosmetic work, they also serve a number of patients who are physically suffering because of their current teeth (or lack thereof). A periodontist can construct an entire new set of teeth for someone who has lost all or most of their own. Having no teeth makes it difficult to eat properly, or even to eat some foods at all. A set of decayed and/or severely misaligned teeth also causes this same problem. A person suffering from such a situation can experience marked improvement in both physical and emotional health thanks to a new set of working teeth.

What to expect when you first meet a Prosthodontist

Because they meet so many different dental needs, your prosthodontist should take the time to understand the state of your current dental health, what your current problems and concerns are, what led to your current situation, and what you hope to achieve from prosthodontic treatment. Think about your answers beforehand so you are prepared when you meet your prosthodontist.

Your prosthodontist will likely perform a dental exam and want to take x-rays. This helps develop a full picture of not only your current teeth, but also of the bone structures underneath, which determines which treatments you are and are not able to receive. For example, dental implants require a supporting bone structure: if these bones are not strong enough, other options will need to be explored.

Once this information is gathered, the prosthodontist will explain what treatment options are available, including their costs, the amount of time they require, the steps involved, and what outcome you should realistically expect. You should receive a written copy of this information, and be able to take it home to look over before making a final decision.

Prosthodontic services

Dental implants can be used by prosthodontists to replace missing or decayed teeth. When just a few teeth (or just one) require replacement, implants can be used in conjunction with a crown to restore a smile without anyone being able to notice. For an entire mouth, a full set of implants can be put in, which eliminates the need for dentures. Dental implants are connected right to the bone, making them much stronger than removable dentures.

For patients in need of replacement teeth, but who are not candidates for dental implants, prosthodontists also provide bridges and dentures, including fully-removable and tooth-supported types.

Prosthodontists can perform bone grafts to replace missing pieces of jawbone caused by injury, improper implants, or disease. The patient’s own bone eventually grows over the grafted bone, which may be taken from other parts of the patient’s body or from a deceased donor. Synthetic bone grafts have also recently been made available.

Certain birth defects of the mouth and/or jaw are treated by prosthodontists. Correcting these problems early on spares children from having to grow up amidst painful teasing, and from suffering low self-esteem due to a defect that was never their fault.