Prosthodontics is the field of dentistry that specializes in dental restoration. When you hear about veneers, implants and crowns, those are areas that the prosthodontist knows all about. From prostheses to surgery, learn about the main types of dental treatments that this dentist provides.
Implants
Dental implants are the false teeth that look and feel like real ones. Advancements in dental technology have resulted in implants that are comfortable and as long lasting as natural teeth with the same amount of maintenance. The prostheses are made of porcelain, titanium or zirconia and firmly attached with screws or cement. The material must be resistant to wear and tear and last for decades without replacements.
In fact, implants may be more beneficial than your natural teeth. Since the teeth are not yours, you are less likely to get infections that reach the nerves and cause pain or swelling.
Veneers
A prosthodontist uses veneers to make teeth brighter and straighter. The coverings, made out of porcelain or composite, are bonded onto the front of the teeth. Dentists cannot use one-size-fits-all veneers for every patient’s mouth. They take custom measurements of the teeth and allow the devices to be made in the dental lab. Last, the shells are bonded onto the surface using cement.
Gaps, cracks and holes in teeth are covered by veneers. Missing or discolored teeth are additional defects that are easily fixed. People who want to fix unevenness without long-term straightening are ideal candidates.
Surgery
Much of the prosthodontist’s work is called cosmetic surgery. However, some dentists are trained in the field of oral and maxillofacial prosthodontics, so they treat a wide range of facial and jaw deformities. They are trained to perform oral surgery and design custom-made prostheses for their patients. They often make referrals to specialists, such as oncologists and speech therapists.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is also commonly treated in the field of prosthodontics. This dentist is able to recognize beginning to advanced signs of gum disease. To prevent further degradation, their patients are given proper treatments like professional teeth cleaning. If further treatment is needed, they refer you to a periodontist or oral surgeon.
The prosthodontist works to restore order in the teeth and promote better oral health. This dentist undergoes many years of training to become specialists in making improvements to teeth and gums. They recommend implants, bridges and crowns to treat dental problems and give confidence back to people. For more information, there are some helpful resources on the Prosthodontic Associates website.