Prostho - relating to prosthetic devices to replace or repair teeth and/or oral tissues
dontist - an oral health care professional (dentist).
Prosthodontics is the field of dentistry that relates to rebuilding natural teeth and restoring missing teeth with prosthetic replacements. This may involve a routine procedure such as making a crown for a damaged tooth or it could involve more complex procedures, such as full mouth reconstruction of damaged or mutilated dentitions.
A Prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed an accredited specialist training programme, usually of a minimum of an additional 3 years duration, which ensures a higher level of expertise in this field. The aim of a prosthodontist is to restore the dentition to achieve the best possible functional and aesthetic outcome. Specialist training also involves knowledge of the other dental specialties to enable a specialist to integrate a patient’s treatment plan with other specialties, to ensure the highest level of care.
A Prosthodontist is responsible for planning and completing complex restorative treatments, as well as co-ordinating treatment that may be required by other specialists. Treatments that fall under the expertise of a Prosthodonist include:
• Crown and bridgework.
• Aesthetic (cosmetic) dentistry, such as tooth whitening and porcelain veneers.
• Implant dentistry.
• Partial and Complete dentures.
• TMJ (Jaw joint) problems. Congenital disorders and sleep apnea by planning and fabricating various prostheses and orthotyic appliances.
• Restoration of damaged/mutilated dentitions, including partial and full mouth reconstruction.
• Complex cases involving multi-disciplinary specialist care.
Patients may also be seen by a Prosthodontist for a second opinion, regarding proposed treatment plans.
Crowns
A cosmetic dental crown is a protective cover fitted over the existing structure of a broken or damaged tooth, to restore function and appearance. Today, crowns are typically made from ceramic which is the modern material of choice and which has superseded the traditional material, porcelain. Ceramic is stronger than porcelain and some argue cosmetically superior.
The crowning process involves the shaping of the original tooth, following which an impression is taken of the tooth using an impression material. The master ceramist will then manufacture the crown in the dental laboratory, to the desired shape and color. This process may take a few weeks during which time the prepared tooth will be protected with a temporary crown. The process is completed when the dentist fits the permanent crown by bonding it to the prepared tooth using special adhesive.
Crowns can be used in conjunction with other cosmetic dental techniques to create a full mouth reconstruction
Bridges
A cosmetic bridge is used as a permanent replacement for one or more missing teeth. There are two main types:Adhesive or conventional. The conventional type involves preparing the adjacent teeth and thus can be quite destructive where as the adhesive bridge requires minimal preparation and hence is more conservative. A dental bridge is essentially used to “bridge the gap” between the remaining adjacent teeth, thus replacing any missing teeth and restoring aesthetics, function and the ‘bite’.
Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthetic replacements for missing teeth usually made from special resins and may incorporate metal for additional strength. Dentures can be either “complete” or “partial” both of which are specially designed and custom fitted to the individual. Properly made and fitted, dentures can significantly enhance the appearance and function.
Complete dentures will replace all of the upper, lower or both sets of teeth
Partial Dentures a Partial
A partial denture is used in conjunction with healthy teeth whereby the structure of the denture is anchored to surrounding natural teeth using custom designed metal anchors. Partial dentures not only improve the appearance and function but also prevent the remaining teeth from drifting out of line.
Alternatives to dentures
Dental implants or bridge-work may be an alternative treatment to dentures but we will advise as to the most appropriate technique on an individual case basis.
The process of making partial dentures may require some minor tooth modifications to ensure that the dentures fit correctly and comfortably. Part of the initial treatment will involve careful impressions of the mouth – this will allow precise construction of the denture in the dental laboratory. Following completion of your denture, you will be invited to a try-in appointment to fine tune the fit, color and shape. We will also inform as to the most appropriate care for your new denture.
Dental Implants
The advantages of Dental Implants
When considering replacing missing teeth, dental implants offer the following advantages:
• Improved confidence and quality of life.
• Greatly enhanced function, such as chewing and biting.
• Improved appearance.
• The closest thing to an almost natural tooth/root replacement.
• They help preserve bone.
• They do not require preparation or involvement of adjacent natural teeth
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, the loss of which might adversely affect your mouth. The negative effects of one or more missing teeth could include the shifting of other teeth, a change in the bite, TMJ disorders, a speech impediment, an increased risk for periodontal disease, and a greater chance of tooth decay.
