So, what’s a “prosthodontist”?

Prosthodontics is a broad specialty encompassing a wide variety of treatments. It is a discipline of dentistry concerned with the impact of tooth or tissue damage as well as partial or complete loss of teeth on oral function. It deals with this largely through prosthetic replacement, thereby maintaining functions of speech and chewing, comfort, appearance and overall health of our patients.

This specialized approach does not just prescribe treatment based on what a patient may demand. It critically evaluates and assesses whether more good than harm is done by inserting artificial devices and prostheses made from alloplastic materials at all times.

Prosthodontists are masters of complete oral rehabilitation as they are dedicated to the highest standards of care in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Postgraduate programs in prosthodontics include lectures and seminars, laboratory and clinical training in esthetics/cosmetics, crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, complete and removable partial dentures, dental implants, TMD‐jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures, congenital or birth anomalies to teeth, snoring, sleep disorders, and oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care.

Multi-disciplinary TEAMWORK

Prosthodontics has an emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment planning of patients who have complex dental needs and on providing treatment services that primarily involve the repair or replacement of natural teeth with a variety of fixed or removable prosthetic options. To successfully manage these patient needs, it is critical that I collaborate with all members of the dental team, including other dental specialist colleagues (Orthodontists, Periodontists, Maxillofacial surgeons), general dentists, dental hygienists, and laboratory technicians. Through consultation and collaboration with the dental team, I am able to provide patients with a customized treatment plan and alternative options, with associated advantages, disadvantages, prognosis, risks, and time involved.

Who needs a prosthodontist?

You are missing one or more teeth.

Your teeth have extensive wear, fracture or tooth breakdown

You are interested in dental implants.

You wear dentures or removable partial dentures or have fixed bridges.

You want to improve the esthetics of your smile.

You have jaw pain (TMD) or bite problems

Many factors contribute to the loss of your teeth ‐ some people are born without certain teeth, and some lose their teeth because of disease, injury, and wear as a result of clenching or grinding. Tooth loss creates both esthetic and functional problems, resulting in unwanted changes to your facial appearance, as well as a detrimental effect on your chewing ability, confidence and self‐esteem. Today, when the desire for a more natural looking smile is greater than ever, there are several exciting new options you can choose. It is now possible to restore broken, decayed, worn and discolored teeth to their natural beauty and strength. You can enhance the beauty of your smile by replacing stained, chipped, missing or worn teeth by a variety of methods including whitening, veneers, crowns/caps or even implant‐supported teeth.