FAQ’s – Department of Prosthodontics
My missing teeth are not visible. Is it really necessary to replace them?
Yes.The problems caused by missing teeth go far beyond cosmetics and can seriously damage your dental health. The many problems that missing teeth can cause include:
Shifting teeth
Decay
Gum disease
Difficulty speaking
Difficulty chewing leading to TMD and/or poor nutrition
Changes in the look of your face
- What types of dentures are there?
Dentures may replace all the teeth or only some of the teeth. The dentures that replace all the teeth are known as complete dentures and they rest on the gums that cover the jawbones. The stability and retention of these dentures can be improved by attaching them to dental implants. Dentures that replace some but not all of the teeth are known as partial dentures. They attach to the teeth that are still present and also cover and rest on the gums and bone where the teeth are missing.
My missing teeth are not visible. Is it really necessary to replace them?
Yes. The problems caused by missing teeth go far beyond cosmetics and can seriously damage your dental health. The many problems that missing teeth can cause include:
- Shifting teeth
- Decay
- Gum disease
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty chewing leading to TMD and/or poor nutrition
- Changes in the look of your face
What types of dentures are there?
Dentures may replace all the teeth or only some of the teeth. The dentures that replace all the teeth are known as complete dentures and they rest on the gums that cover the jawbones. The stability and retention of these dentures can be improved by attaching them to dental implants. Dentures that replace some but not all of the teeth are known as partial dentures. They attach to the teeth that are still present and also cover and rest on the gums and bone where the teeth are missing.
Can I get a crown placed in a single visit or Two Visits?
Yes, some prosthodontists have the technology to create a crown “while you wait” with equipment such as the CEREC. This machine uses 3D technology to carve a custom crown out of a block of dental ceramic. The whole treatment process takes one or two hours. This approach to crown fabrication has met with mixed reviews from prosthodontist and patients. It requires the prosthodontist to have significant experience with crown fabrication to achieve the desired results.
A poorly fitted single-visit crown will be prone to premature failure and may cause discomfort. Many prosthodontist’s would rather have the job handled by a master ceramist at a fabrication lab to ensure the highest quality results. This does entail a wait time, and the patient must come in for a second appointment to have the crown fitted. If you wish to have a crown placed in a single visit, look for a prosthodontist who has been using in-office crown fabrication technology for some time to make sure you experience a satisfactory outcome.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are metal cylinders made of titanium surgically placed in the jawbone where teeth are missing. They replace the roots of missing teeth and support single crowns, large bridges and dentures. State-of-the-art technology makes it possible for these replacement teeth to look, feel and function like natural teeth.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
If you are missing one or more teeth, a restoration supported by a dental implant and/or implants is an option you must consider. In many instances it provides the best alternative for care.
How many visits does it take to get a dental implant?
This varies depending on the patient’s needs and the treatment process preferred by the prosthodontist. You can generally expect:
- An initial consultation with x-rays (and extraction if a tooth root is still in place)
- An in-office surgery to open the gum, create a hole in the jawbone and insert a titanium post
- Checkups to monitor healing of the surgical site and the growth of bone around the post
- A minor procedure 4-6 months later to attach an abutment to the post
- A visit several weeks later to fix the crown to the abutment
Some prosthodontists place the abutment at the same time as the post if the patient doesn’t mind having the abutment visible during the healing phase. Additional visits may be required for patients who need bone grafting or gingivoplasty (sculpting of the gums). Your prosthodontist should be able to outline an estimated treatment schedule during your consultation. However, the final number of visits will be determined by how your mouth responds to treatment.
Is a prosthodontist the same as a cosmetic dentist?
Cosmetic dentistry is a term used by general dentists who have received some training in cosmetic tooth restoration. However, this field is not recognized as a specialty. This means there are no educational or professional standards which a dentist must meet to advertise cosmetic dentistry services. In contrast, prosthodontists undergo an additional three years of training specifically in tooth restoration after they graduate from dental school. While they may offer many of the same services, a prosthodontist usually has more experience and training in aesthetic tooth treatments. Since many tooth restorations affect function as well as appearance, having a trained specialist perform cosmetic procedures is usually a good idea.
What is a maxillofacial prosthesis?
Maxillofacial Prosthetics is a subspecialty of Prosthodontics that involves rehabilitation of patients with defects or disabilities that were present when born or developed due to disease or trauma. Prostheses are often needed to replace missing areas of bone or tissue and restore oral functions such as swallowing, speech, and chewing. In other instances, prosthesis for the face or body may be indicated for cosmetic and psychosocial reasons. Prosthetic devices may also be created to position or shield facial structures during radiation therapy. Patients that typically desire prosthetic care are those that have been in an accident, have had surgical removal of diseased tissues, or have a neuromuscular disorder from ALS or a stroke. Children can also be born without full development of ears, teeth, or palate and need specialized care.
What is full mouth rehabilitation?
Some patients need restorative treatment on all the teeth in their mouth because of severe dental decay (caries), effects from periodontal disease, developmental problems, severe attrition, loss of teeth, development of a closed bite, among other reasons. Full Mouth Rehabilitations can be completed restoring function and comfort when chewing and talking.
