What We Do!
A description of the specialty of Prosthodontics is a mouthful! “Prosthodontics is the field of dentistry which pertains to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.”
Prosthodontists specialize in prosthetic and restorative dentistry, and treatments may involve teeth and/or dental implants. Prosthetic dentistry may include the replacement of teeth with fixed crown and bridge and removable dentures, or the provision of supportive health appliances such as bite planes, sleep appliances, and obturators (to name a few). Restorative dentistry may include rebuilding and reinforcing teeth with fillings, veneers, and crowns using bonded materials like resin or porcelain, and non-bonded materials like amalgam or gold. Any prosthesis or restoration should look good in addition to providing comfortable function, so Prosthodontists are usually considered specialists in cosmetic dentistry.
Patients may seek out a Prosthodontist if they have complicated needs which fall outside the comfort level of General Dentists. Patients who require bite altering procedures or who have high cosmetic demands are usually referred to a Prosthodontist. Patients may be seen by a Prosthodontist for limited or comprehensive treatment, while continuing long term in the office of the General Dentist. In some cases, patients may remain long term in the office of a Prosthodontist, if requested by the General Dentist. It is common for a Prosthodontist to work with other Dental Specialties to provide optimal care for patients.
