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Prosthodontics and Missing Teeth

Also commonly called dental prosthesis or prosthetic dentistry, prosthodontics specializes in using artificial replacements to restore the full appearance and functionality of your smile. From major reconstructions and missing teeth to repairing cracked teeth or reducing gaps, prosthodontics can improve both your oral health and your quality of life.

Prosthodontics are just one of the specialty dentistry services offered at Bright Now! Dental. Preserving a healthy smile for a lifetime takes a team, and at Bright Now! Dental, you’ll find everything you need to take care of your teeth, all in one convenient location. From dental cleanings and checkups to braces and dentures or dental implants, we’re here for you and your family at every stage of life.

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What is a prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dentist who has received additional training on dental restorations for problems like enamel erosion, missing teeth, and advanced periodontitis, specifically on dental prosthesis like implants and dentures.

The emphasis of prosthodontic treatment is maintaining the natural function and appearance of the facial structure and jawbone and structure, especially if there is significant tooth or bone loss. Prosthodontists use devices such as dental implants, crowns, dental bridges, or dentures and cosmetic procedures like veneers and bonding to help your smile look and function as it should. 

What are common prosthodontic procedures?

Preserving and improving the strength and integrity of the teeth and jaw structure is critical to both oral and overall health. Missing teeth that aren’t replaced can lead to serious issues like inflammation, infection, and unhealed scar tissue in the gums, causing decay in neighboring teeth and shifting in the jaw that will affect how a person eats, speaks, breathes, or even looks. Teeth that are unevenly spaced, damaged, or crooked can add uneven strain and pressure on adjacent or opposing teeth as well as the jaw, and they are more susceptible to decay.

Some of the most common prosthodontic procedures performed to help resolve these issues and protect your dental health include:

Dental Implants, for replacing missing teeth

Dental implants are tiny metal screws surgically placed directly into the jawbone to mimic the root of a tooth. They are implanted into empty tooth sockets and capped with an attachment called an abutment. The dental implants and abutments serve as a base for a dental crown (an artificial tooth), which replaces the missing tooth and supports the surrounding teeth to prevent infection, shifting, and bone deterioration. 

Crowns, for damaged, decayed, or uneven teeth

Dental crowns are prosthetic caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth. The most common are made from porcelain or ceramic, but they can also be created out of metal or resin. When a dental filling is adequate to repair a damaged or decayed tooth, the tooth will be filed down and covered with a dental crown. The dental crown helps ensure a proper bite and restores the integrity of the tooth, preventing further damage or decay. Dental crowns can also be used to improve the appearance and strength of uneven or crooked teeth.

Bridges, for multiple missing teeth

A dental bridge is used to replace several missing teeth. It is made of several dental crowns and attached to healthy adjacent teeth. By filling the space, the bridge helps maintain proper facial structure and appearance as well as the function of the teeth and jaws. 

Cosmetic dentistry, to improve appearance and function

Prosthodontists are also experienced in cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers, dental bonding, cosmetic crowns, and teeth whitening, all of which can help improve small spacing issues or even out disproportionate teeth. An even smile, properly space smile can help ensure tasks like chewing and biting are distributed among all the teeth and not putting additional pressure anywhere that could lead to bigger problems. Cosmetic dentistry can also help make you feel more confident in your smile.

Full mouth restorations or reconstructions, after trauma or oral cancer

Their extensive training and experience in the facial structure make prosthodontists equipped to plan full mouth restorations or reconstructions, such as after severe trauma, oral cancer, or other situations that have dramatically affected the mouth, teeth, and jaws. 

Professional Prosthodontic Care at Bright Now! Dental

No matter what’s keeping your smile from perfection, prosthodontic services from Bright Now! Dental can help. Schedule an appointment today with one of our doctors for a no-obligation consultation and find out if you could benefit from prosthodontic care. With multiple locations, flexible scheduling, and a variety of financing options, Bright Now! Dental makes getting the dental care you need fast, easy, and affordable. Don’t wait another day to have the smile you want!