What is a prosthodontist?
Prosthodontists are one of nine specialized types of dentists authorized by the American Dental Association. Prosthodontics specializes in the treatment of complex dental and facial matters. These may include restoration and replacement of damaged or missing teeth as well as jaw reconstruction. A prosthodontist receives extensive training in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures, jaw disorders, and other oral or maxillofacial issues.
How are prosthodontists different from other types of dentists?
With an additional three years of specialized training in addition to their general dentistry studies, prosthodontists are recognized experts in oral and maxillofacial replacement and restoration procedures. While many prosthodontics procedures may be performed by your general dentist, it is best to receive these treatments from a prosthodontics specialist for the best results, especially for more complex cases and procedures.
When should I see a prosthodontist?
Types of prosthodontic procedures are wide and varied, and so are the reasons to see a prosthodontist. Prosthodontists provide treatment for people with severely damaged or missing teeth due to accident or decay, loss of bone or misalignment in the jaw or face due to trauma or oral cancer, congenital conditions such as clef palate, and even those with sleep disorders. Your general dentist should be able to provide initial diagnosis and referral as required.
How can I find a prosthodontist near me?
The best way to find a good prosthodontist is by referral from a general dentist whom you trust. Online reviews and ratings through Google and Yelp are also a good way of weeding out undesirable practitioners. Be sure to read some of the reviews rather than relying solely on ratings for a more accurate perspective. You will also want to consider accessibility of the location as well as disability access if applicable.
Common Prosthodontic Treatments
Cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental crowns, dentures, dental implants, and other services may be employed to restore your natural beauty with a realistic and balanced smile as well as restore healthy function to your teeth and jaws. Jaw and maxillofacial issues that hinder a balanced appearance may also be treated as part of your cosmetic dentistry makeover by a prosthodontist.
Dentures may be a good solution for patients missing all or a significant portion of their teeth. Dentures are customized for each patient in order that they fit comfortably to the contours of the mouth and color-matched to the shade of your existing teeth. Dentures don’t normally require a visit to the prosthodontics specialist since general dentists are quite adapt at taking the molds necessary to create the dentures, which are normally fabricated at a third-party facility.
If your tooth-loss is limited to just one or several teeth, a dental bridge or implant may be your best solution. A dental bridge is a single crown or several linked crowns that are fixed to healthy natural teeth on either side of the gap in your teeth. While cheaper and less invasive than dental implants, dental bridges fall a little short in the durability and functionality department.
Dental implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth and involves a surgical procedure to plant a titanium post that is fused with your jawbone. The implant is then covered with a crown resulting not only in full functionality but also a natural looking smile.
sleep disorders, jaw issues, snoring
Misalignment of the jaw, often known as TMJ, may lead to a variety of other problems. Some of these may include chronic jaw pain, chronic headaches in some severe cases, teeth grinding, and even sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea. Treatment to realign the jaw may include physical therapy, bite guards, or orthodontics.
Other Reconstruction & Restoration
Functional and cosmetic reconstruction and restoration of the teeth, jaw, or face may be required for a variety of conditions. These may include repairing traumatic injury involving the face, restoration of mouth following oral cancer surgery, and reconstruction for patients with birth defects such as cleft palate or missing teeth.
Schedule a consultation with our dentist in Aurora, CO. Call us to make an appointment today!
FAQs on orchid dental & Prosthodontics
How do I choose a reputable prosthodontist?
At Orchid Dental, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality care by partnering with other reputable dental specialists in the area. We have a network of highly qualified practitioners that we work closely with and refer our patients to for any work we are unable to perform, or if we think someone else would do it better. So, visit us for a consultation, and we will provide an initial diagnosis and make the appropriate referrals as required!
Why choose Orchid Dental for prosthodontics?
We believe in putting our patients above all else, and strive to provide quality, holistic care at all times. Our philosophy is to treat our patients like our own family, so you can count on us to provide the best care possible, even if it means referring you to other dental specialists for more complex cases. As your family dentist, we oversee your overall case while collaborating closely with the prosthodontist and other dental specialists to ensure you receive continuity of care. Depending on your unique case and specialist recommendations, we may even take care of the prep work and follow-up care appointments in order to minimize costs to you.
Call Us at (303) 671-0305 for quality prosthodontics services in Aurora & Denver, CO.
