Everything You Need to Know About Prosthodontics

Everything You Need to Know About Prosthodontics

Apr 01, 2021

Nothing is more frustrating than having a missing or damaged tooth, regardless of the cause. A damaged or lost tooth will not only interfere with your overall dental health but will also take away from your smile, self-confidence, and ability to chew and speak properly.

Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions within the field of prosthodontics. If you have any dental issues, your dentist can help you regain your oral health. Contact Concord Woods Dental Group for quality dental care in Concord, MA.

What Is Prosthodontics?

Generally, prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, treating, rehabilitating, and maintaining a patient’s oral function and esthetics through dental prosthetics. It seeks to solve dental conditions associated with missing or damaged teeth, together with maxillofacial tissue.

Prosthodontics uses biocompatible substitutes, also known as dental prostheses, such as dental crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. The prostheses can be fixed or removable. You should discuss with your dentist about the best type of procedure for your condition.

General Dentist vs. Prosthodontist

Unlike a general dentist who deals with general dental care, a prosthodontist is a dentist specializing in cosmetic or aesthetic treatment. They have advanced training in teeth replacement and oral function restoration.

Prosthodontists deal with the replacement of missing teeth and other mouth or jaw structures with the use of dentures, bridges, and other prostheses. After the initial dental training, a prosthodontist undergoes additional training for three years.

A prosthodontist can provide high-quality and efficient teeth replacement or oral surgery. If you are considering a complex dental procedure such as an implant, you should consult with an experienced prosthodontist near you.

Who Needs a Prosthodontist?

While a prosthodontist can handle basic dental procedures, people typically visit a prosthodontist for more complex and extensive dental needs. Here are several types of dental issues and conditions that can be managed by a prosthodontist:

  • Replacing missing teeth.
  • Restoring decayed teeth.
  • Restoring dentures and other prostheses.
  • Treating TMJ disorders.
  • Treating snoring and sleep disorders.
  • Treating traumatic facial injuries.
  • Conducting maxillofacial prosthetic procedures associated with oral cancer reconstruction.

While prosthodontists mainly deal with complex conditions, you can still visit them if you have any dental problems or concerns.

What to Expect When You Visit a Prosthodontist

Like with any other dentist, the prosthodontist will ask you a few questions regarding your oral health and functionality. During the appointment, please remember to carry with you previous historical data or x-rays from your dentist. They can help the prosthodontist to understand your dental condition better.

Depending on your condition, the specialist may recommend you to go through a particular dental examination. After which, they will inform you about your current dental situation and suggest the best course of action.

If you choose to proceed with the suggested procedure, the prosthodontist will give you an overview of what to expect, together with the associated costs. You will then need to schedule a day for the procedure.

For mild dental problems, it’s recommended to visit your general dentist first. If you have a complex issue, your dentist will refer you to a prosthodontist.

Risks of Prosthodontic Procedures

The side effects and risks of prosthodontic procedures may vary depending on several factors, including:

  • The complexity of the issue
  • The type of procedure you’re undergoing
  • Your overall oral health
  • Additional dental problems
  • Overall health condition

Some complications that could arise from prosthodontic procedures include:

  • Swelling of the gums or face
  • Bleeding
  • Infections
  • Damage to the surrounding teeth or tissue

Although complications are rare, it’s important to seek help. Visit or call your dentist immediately if you experience these or any other serious side effects after a prosthodontic procedure.

Schedule a Consultation

If you think you may need the help of a prosthodontist near you, don’t hesitate to contact the team of dental professionals at Concord Woods Dental Group for a professional dental examination and dental care. Our Periodontist offers Prosthodontic treatment. We can help you restore your oral health, and we would be more than happy to answer any questions that you might have.

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