A prosthodontist is a dental specialist. After graduating from dental school, they receive three additional years of residency training. They specialize in making teeth replacements, such as crowns, bridges, dentures and more.
There are three Prosthodontists at Sharp Dentistry. Prosthodontics is the specialty in dentistry that deals with aesthetics. Prosthodontists like Dr. Sharp, Dr. Segall and Dr. Pasciuta at Sharp Dentistry spent three extra years to train in aesthetic dentistry.
Many dental treatments are prosthodontic in nature. Your general dentist may offer many of these procedures. But they’ll likely refer you to a prosthodontist if your case is complex or if they need to coordinate treatment.
Moreover, Prosthodontists are trained in some of the treatments below.
- Fixed Prosthodontics – crowns, porcelain veneers, dental bridges, hybrid (dental bridges supported by dental implants)
- Restorative Dentistry – white colored fillings, inlays and onlays
- Removable Prosthodontics – dentures and partial dentures
- Implant Prosthodontics – Placement and restoration of dental implants
- Maxillofacial Prosthodontics – obturators, facial prosthesis and hemi mandibular prosthesis
Dental crowns
A dental crown — sometimes called a “cap” — is a restoration that covers a badly damaged tooth. You might need a crown if you have extensive decay or a cracked tooth, or if you’ve recently had a root canal.
Dental bridges
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth in a row. This dental prosthetic consists of two crowns on either side (abutments) with artificial teeth (pontics) in between them. Once placed, your natural teeth anchor the crowns, and the pontics fill the gap in your smile.
Dentures
There are two main types of dentures: partial and full. Partial dentures replace several sporadically missing teeth. Full dentures replace a full arch of missing teeth. These removable appliances help restore the function and appearance of your smile.
Inlays and onlays
If a tooth is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough to warrant a crown, then you might need an inlay or onlay. These custom restorations fit into your tooth structure like tiny puzzle pieces.
Dental implants
Dental implants are threaded posts used to replace missing teeth roots. They’re made from surgical-grade titanium or ceramic. Your dental provider places them into your jawbone. Once your implants heal, a prosthodontist can restore them with crowns, bridges or hybrid dental bridge or dentures.
If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, there are several removable and non-removable implant-supported options. Talk to your dentist or prosthodontist to find out which treatment is best for you.