Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is a specialized area of dentistry responsible for diagnosing, planning treatment, rehabilitating and maintaining of patients with complex clinical conditions. It deals specifically implant, dental esthetic, dental reconstruction and cranial reconstruction. Dental prosthetics include dentures, crowns, implant retained or supported restorations. Cosmetic dentistry and joint problems come under the heading of prosthodontics.
A dentist, having obtained a degree in dental medicine, must spend a further 3 years in specialty training before becoming a prosthodontist. The training includes esthetics, occlusion, materials science and head and neck anatomy.
A sub-specialty of prosthodontics is maxillofacial prosthetics (full mask). Prosthodontists who have studied maxillofacial prosthetics are often called upon to treat patients who have congenital disorders due to trauma, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or birth defect.
Cosmetic surgery comes under the umbrella of prosthodontics. Cosmetic dental surgeons perform procedures including crowns, caps, bridges, veneers, removable partial dentures, dentures and dental implants.
The prosthodontist may be described as your facial architect. They can visualize both the aesthetics of your smile and the functionality of your bite.
Dental prosthetics treatment creates a balance between esthetics and functionality. The treatments include;
Surgical periodontal procedures may be necessary if the supportive bone and tissue around the teeth cannot be repaired by non-surgical means. There are four most commonly prescribed types of surgical treatment are:
Dental Crowns, forged from metal or combination of metal and porcelain materials are designed to repair damaged teeth. Dental crowns are expensive but because of the ability to manicure them naturally and esthetically to blend with your other teeth, patients are pleased with the results. Dental crowns will preserve a damaged tooth's functionality.
They are used to protect cracked teeth or replace functionality to a tooth that has excessive decay. There are a number of options available to restore teeth and these should be explored and discussed with your dentist before deciding on crowns.
Dental bridges, are designed to replace a missing tooth and is supported by the neighboring teeth or implant supported. A bridge may also be designed as a replacement for a removable partial denture. Missing teeth not only change your facial appearance but also occlusion - how you bite. They also affect your speech. Bridges may be partial dentures or fixed dental bridges such as cantilever, resin bonded and the conventional bridge.
Complete dentures, are full mouth replacements for people who have lost all of their teeth due to poor dental hygiene practice or trauma. Dentures give a more pleasing appearance than an edentulous smile. Missing teeth should be replaced to maintain the facial structure. A sagging face will make a person appear older than they are. A new set of dentures takes time to adapt and may cause mouth sores due to rubbing. Several visits to the prosthodontist may be needed for adjustments to improve the fitting. Good fitting dentures can improve a smile or facial appearance.
Redwood City CA 94065
Office Phone: 1 650 654 6545
Office Fax: 1 650 654 6564
Email: docrocky@msn.com
