Prosthodontics

Treatment aimed at replacing and restoring teeth functionally and aesthetically.

In prosthodontics, missing teeth or damaged teeth are treated with prosthetics (false teeth). All dentists are trained in prosthodontics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. Dentists with a special interest in prosthodontics or prosthodontics specialist receive extra training in managing complex cases.

Why see a prosthodontist?

You may visit a prosthodontist for various reasons. Accidents involving the mouth, congenital conditions, or cosmetic reasons can cause this. Traditional dentists can also offer these services, but prosthodontists are extensively trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating complex dental conditions.

What treatments does prosthodontics cover?

In prosthodontics, there are several subspecialties, including:

Fixed Prosthodontics

In fixed prosthodontics, crowns, bridges, onlays, inlays, and veneers are used to restore teeth. An impression of the mouth made by the Prosthodontist is used to make the above restorations in the dental laboratory. An impression is made of the prepared tooth/teeth by the Prosthodontist to be sent to the laboratory along with a detailed prescription to make your prosthesis.

Removable Prosthodontics

Prosthetics that replace the soft tissues and teeth are called removable prosthodontics, otherwise known as dentures. Full dentures can replace all of the missing teeth, while partial dentures can only replace a few teeth. They can be placed on either the lower or upper arch or on both. Plastics (acrylic) can be used alone or in combination with metal (chrome).

Maxillofacial Prosthodontics

A maxillofacial prosthodontist is responsible for reconstructing patients whose mouth or face have been affected by congenital or acquired defects.
Cleft lips and palates are common congenital defects. The most common causes of acquired defects are cancers of the mouth and face and neurological diseases such as strokes.
Prostheses are fabricated to fill up these defects. Prostheses such as Obturators, Speech bulbs, Palatal lifts, and Palatal augmentation devices are typically placed in the mouth.

Implant Prosthodontics

Dental implants are artificial devices made of titanium or titanium alloys.
A root substitute is generally shaped like a screw or cylinder and replaces the root of a tooth. A successful implant provides a solid foundation for the retention or support of a bridge, a denture or a maxillofacial prosthesis.