Prosthodontics (Fixed and Removable Dentures)

About Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health through the restoration and replacement of missing teeth and oral structures. Prosthodontists are dental specialists who have completed additional training beyond dental school, focusing on complex restorative procedures including crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant-supported prostheses.

What is Prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics encompasses a wide range of treatments:

• Fixed prosthodontics: Crowns, bridges, and implant-supported restorations that are permanently cemented or attached.
• Removable prosthodontics: Partial and complete dentures that can be removed for cleaning and maintenance.
• Maxillofacial prosthetics: Restoration of facial structures affected by disease, trauma, or congenital defects.
• Implant prosthodontics: Prostheses supported by dental implants for optimal stability and function.
• Complex full-mouth rehabilitation: Comprehensive treatment to restore severely damaged or missing teeth.

Types of Dental Prostheses

We offer various prosthetic solutions:

• Dental Crowns: Custom-made caps that cover damaged or weakened teeth, restoring strength and appearance.
• Fixed Bridges: Permanent prostheses that replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or implants.
• Complete Dentures: Full sets of removable replacement teeth for patients who have lost all teeth in one or both arches.
• Partial Dentures: Removable prostheses that replace multiple missing teeth while preserving remaining natural teeth.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Dentures secured by dental implants for superior stability and comfort.
• Overdentures: Removable dentures that fit over remaining tooth roots or implants for added retention.

Benefits of Prosthodontic Treatment

Prosthodontic treatment provides essential benefits:

• Restores proper chewing function and ability to eat all foods comfortably.
• Improves speech and pronunciation affected by missing teeth.
• Enhances facial appearance and prevents facial sagging from tooth loss.
• Prevents shifting of remaining teeth and maintains proper bite alignment.
• Boosts self-confidence with a complete, natural-looking smile.
• Protects remaining teeth from excessive wear and damage.
• Maintains jawbone health and prevents bone loss in the jaw.

Modern Prosthodontic Technology

Our prosthodontic practice utilizes advanced technology:

• Digital impressions for accurate and comfortable prosthesis fabrication.
• CAD/CAM technology for precise design and manufacturing of restorations.
• High-quality materials including zirconia, porcelain, and advanced acrylics.
• 3D imaging and treatment planning for optimal prosthesis design.
• Implant-supported solutions for maximum stability and longevity.
• Custom shade matching for natural-looking aesthetic results.

Recovery and Adjustment

• Fixed prostheses like crowns and bridges typically require minimal recovery time, with patients able to return to normal activities immediately.
• New denture wearers may need 2-4 weeks to adjust to their prostheses, with initial discomfort and speech changes being normal.
• Multiple adjustment appointments may be necessary to ensure proper fit, comfort, and function of removable prostheses.
• Implant-supported prostheses require 3-6 months of healing for osseointegration before final prosthesis placement.
• Regular follow-up appointments ensure proper function, fit, and maintenance of all prosthetic restorations.

Frequently Asked Questions