What Exactly Is Prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that deals with restorative and cosmetic treatments.  Dentists who choose to specialize in prosthodontics will have to do three or four more years of training after finishing their studies at dental school.

A prosthodontist is an architect, who designs a treatment plan and tells the patient what is possible.  Missing or defective teeth can be very damaging to self-esteem and self-confidence.  With the latest technology, a prosthodontist can fill the gaps with functional, natural-looking teeth that boost confidence and a smile.

Why see a prosthodontist?

• Create partial or full dentures.
• Whiten teeth or improve the smile.
• Fill gaps from one or more missing teeth.
• Dental implants.

What can the prosthodontist do?

Prosthodontic treatments are functional, long-lasting, and look good.  These can only be done on generally healthy teeth.  Gum disease needs to be controlled before prosthodontic treatments can start.

There are many hi-tech prosthodontic treatments available including:

Dental Implants – Implants are designed to replace the natural teeth in the best way possible.  Titanium roots are implanted in the jawbone just like natural tooth roots.  Implants look and feel like natural teeth.

Dental Veneers – Veneers are porcelain/ceramic covers that are bonded to the natural teeth.  Veneers can solve problems like uneven teeth, stained teeth, chips, and damage caused by general wear and tear.

Dental Crowns – Prosthetic crowns are made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two.  They are designed to mimic the natural crown (surface of the tooth) and can last up to 10 years or more.

Dental Bridges – Conventional and cantilever bridges are used to support a prosthetic tooth.  The natural teeth can support the bridge if they are healthy or dental implants can be used as anchors.

Complete Dentures – A full set of dentures can be made for those who have no teeth due to gum disease or trauma.  Complete dentures restore function to the mouth and make eating and speaking easier.

Partial Dentures – Where many teeth have been lost, removable or fixed partial dentures can be a good option.  They improve the smile and chewing ability.

What else can a prosthodontist do?

In addition to the above treatments, a prosthodontist can also treat jaw (TMJ) problems, severe snoring, sleep apnea and reconstruct teeth after oral cancer treatments.  Generally, a prosthodontist works with other dental health professionals to achieve the best restorative results.

Prosthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with missing or damaged teeth and related oral structures. Our team uses the latest technology and materials to give each patient individualized and effective care.

Importance of prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is key to restoring oral health and function, especially for those who have had tooth loss, significant decay, or other dental problems. Missing or damaged teeth can affect your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. If left untreated these problems can get worse over time and lead to other oral health issues such as bone loss, misalignment of remaining teeth, and even changes in facial structure.

Prosthodontic care is not just about aesthetics; it restores the full function of your teeth and gums so you can eat and speak with ease. At Mina Family Dentistry our prosthodontic treatments address both the functional and cosmetic aspects of tooth loss so patients can get their quality of life and confidence back.

Impact on overall health

The effects of missing teeth go beyond the mouth. When teeth are missing or damaged the surrounding bone starts to deteriorate leading to further complications such as jawbone weakening. This can affect the structure of your face making you look older or causing sagging of facial muscles.

Additionally not being able to chew properly can lead to digestive issues as food is not broken down properly in the mouth. Poor dental health has also been linked to a higher risk of systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Prosthodontic treatments therefore not only restore oral health but also overall health by addressing these underlying issues.

Services offered at Mina Family Dentistry

we offer a full range of prosthodontic services to suit each patient’s individual needs. Whether you’re missing one tooth or need more extensive rehabilitation our team of dentists will create a customized treatment plan for you.

Prosthodontic services

Some of the prosthodontic services we offer:

• Dental Crowns: Crowns are used to cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. They restore both function and aesthetics of teeth to prevent further damage.
• Bridges: Dental bridges are great for patients missing one or more teeth. They involve anchoring a false tooth (or teeth) to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants to create a seamless and functional restoration.
• Dentures: Dentures are removable prosthetic devices to replace multiple missing teeth. We offer full and partial dentures to suit your needs.
• Dental Implants: For patients looking for a permanent solution to tooth loss dental implants in Thornhill are a long-lasting and durable option. Implants act as artificial tooth roots to support crowns, bridges, or dentures.
• Inlays and Onlays: These are custom-made restorations to repair moderately damaged or decayed teeth. More conservative than crowns they preserve more of the natural tooth structure.

Prosthodontic treatment process

At Mina Family Dentistry, our prosthodontic treatment process starts with a consultation and exam. During this first visit, we will evaluate your oral health, discuss your concerns and goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. We will also explain the different prosthodontic options available to you and make sure you understand the benefits and limitations of each.

Once a treatment plan is established we will start by preparing the area. This may involve shaping the tooth for a crown, placing dental implants, or preparing adjacent teeth for a bridge. Using advanced technology and materials we will create custom restorations that will match your natural teeth.

For treatments like implants, the process may take several months as the implant needs time to integrate with the jawbone before the final restoration. During this time we will prioritize your comfort and make sure each step is managed to get the best possible result.

At Mina Family Dentistry we take pride in providing prosthodontic care that not only restores function but also improves the overall health and appearance of our patients. Whether you need one crown or a full set of dentures our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Bottom line prosthodontics is key to maintaining and restoring oral health. At Mina Family Dentistry we get it and offer a variety of services to meet your needs. Our prosthodontic treatments will get you chewing, speaking, and smiling again and overall better health.

FAQ

What is prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the treatment of patients who have missing or damaged teeth. It’s about restorative and cosmetic treatments that aim to restore oral function and appearance.

Why should I see a prosthodontist?

You should see a prosthodontist if you have missing, damaged, or decayed teeth that affect your ability to chew speak, or smile confidently.

What services do prosthodontists provide?

Prosthodontists offer a wide range of services that include, dental implants, crowns & bridges, veneers, and partial and full dentures.

How do prosthodontic treatments impact my overall health?

Prosthodontic treatments play a critical role in maintaining oral health. Missing teeth can lead to deterioration of jawbone, changes in face structure, and digestive problems due to improper chewing habits.

What is the process for getting prosthodontic treatment at mina family dentistry?

The process begins with consultation where we check your overall oral health, discuss your goals, and create a personalized plan. Some procedures may take a few visits to ensure proper healing. Through the process, we prioritize your comfort and aim for the best results.