Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is an area of dentistry that focuses on replacing missing teeth and restoring teeth that are broken or damaged. Prosthodontists specialize in restoring damaged or missing teeth and oral function. 

What Is a Prosthodontist?

Prosthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on restoring oral function and the structure of missing or damaged teeth. Dentists who have undergone additional training focusing specifically on prosthodontics are referred to as prosthodontists.

Prosthodontists specialize in cosmetic dentistry procedures, dental implant placement, and restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also provide treatments for temporomandibular joint disorders.

The Benefits of Prosthodontic Treatments

Many patients who have lost their natural teeth often struggle with their self-confidence and self-esteem. Replacing missing teeth with prosthodontic appliances like dentures, bridges, and dental implants can restore your smile and boost your self-confidence. Prosthodontic appliances can be used to restore teeth that have been damaged due to an accident, injury, trauma, gum disease, or tooth decay. 

How Prosthodontic Treatment Improves Your Quality of Life 

Prosthodontics is a field of dentistry that concentrates on the restoration or replacement of damaged or missing teeth. Prosthodontists use a variety of treatments and procedures that provide functional as well as aesthetic benefits. These treatments can address a variety of dental issues, ranging from missing teeth to fractured teeth. 

Prosthodontic treatments help patients regain their oral functions and health after their teeth have been damaged by dental conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Prosthodontic treatments can enhance a patient’s quality of life. For example, dentures, bridges, or implants can restore a patient’s ability to eat a wide variety of foods, improve speech, boost self-esteem, and allow them to smile with confidence.

When teeth are lost, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate. This can cause the facial features to sag, making the patient appear older than they really are. Prosthodontic appliances can help support the facial muscles and restore a more youthful appearance. Dental implants are the closest alternative to natural teeth. They fuse with the jawbone and offer greater stability and durability. 

What Types of Prostheses Do Prosthodontists Use?

Prosthodontists provide a wide range of tooth replacement solutions, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants.

• Dental crowns restore a damaged tooth’s structure and strength by fully covering and protecting it.
• Bridges are commonly used to replace missing teeth. A false tooth (called a pontic) is attached to crowns on both sides, which are bonded to the adjacent teeth for support.
• Dentures are removable tooth replacements that can replace an entire arch or only a few missing teeth.
• Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used as support for prostheses like crowns, bridges, and dentures.

What’s the Difference Between Prosthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry?

There are several differences between prosthodontics and cosmetic dentistry. The most notable difference is that prosthodontics focuses on restoring oral functionality and replacing missing teeth, whereas cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of your smile.

Prosthodontics procedures and treatments are designed to restore a patient’s smile and improve their quality of life. If you have damaged or missing teeth, contact our dentist at Dental Aesthetic at (623) 300-5432 and schedule your appointment today!