Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is an area of dentistry dealing with the replacement of missing teeth. The artificial teeth are often life-like and comfortable. Therefore, the esthetics and function of a health smile is enhanced by full or partial removable dentures, fixed bridgework, and single or multiple crowns.

Prosthodontic Services

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are removable and replace all of the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both, sitting on the soft (gum) tissue of the mouth that covers the boney ridge. Implants may also be used to help secure the denture. The design of the complete denture and position of the teeth will restore good speech and appearance.

Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are used when there are still natural teeth left. Partial dentures attach to the natural teeth for retention. At times, crowns are used on natural teeth to support and help retain the partial denture. This tooth replacement is removable by the patient which makes cleaning easier. The new teeth will look natural and are made from plastic or porcelain (ceramic) materials. The foundation of the partial denture can be plastic or a combination of plastic and metal.

Denture Repairs

Existing dentures occasionally break or fracture due to trauma or years of use. Many of these dentures can be repaired within 1 day with simple processes involving your dentist and a dental lab.

Interim Partial

Often the replacement of teeth may take weeks or months to accomplish due to time required for healing and the time required to fabricate long-term dentures. During this waiting period it may be possible to fabricate a temporary removable partial to replace one or more teeth for esthetic and/or functional reasons. An interim partial is made of gum colored acrylic lining the roof of the mouth or along side the tongue. This is connected to an acrylic tooth/teeth to replace any spaces this prosthesis may be fabricated for. This may allow for immediate use following an extraction or within 1 or 2 days.

Removable Prosthesis

A replacement for missing teeth in that it is not permanently attached.

Maxillofacial Prosthetics

Replacement of missing head and facial structures.

Dental Implants

Implants are titanium metal placed below soft tissue into bone. Typically, they are placed by Oral Surgeons and after a short healing period, are restored by general dentist.

One of the most exciting advances in dentistry, implants offer an excellent alternative to full dentures or conventional bridgework. Single implants may replace front or back teeth as an alternative to modifying teeth in bridge or crown preparation. Multiple implants may support bridge or full dentures. Individual implants and single crowns are now popular.

Teeth that are mounted to implants are secure and will not shift when eating or speaking. Increased comfort and peace of mind has satisfied many patients.