SPECIALTY

Prosthodontics is a dental specialty that pertains to the restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists are experts in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and coordination of dental services involving restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Typically, the prosthodontist will work with other dentists or specialists to restore a patient’s teeth to a functional, aesthetic state.

When should you see a prosthodontist?

You may need to visit a prosthodontist in the following cases:

You are missing one or more teeth: Whether you’ve lost them due to gum disease or other oral conditions, a prosthodontist can restore your natural smile. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, today, there are more options available for tooth replacement than ever before. Modern techniques enable the dentist to craft a custom prosthetic that fits seamlessly into your smile.

You have a damaged or chipped tooth: A crack in a tooth can cause pain when chewing and talking, as well as lead to infection and tooth decay. Sometimes, however, the damage to a tooth goes beyond what a traditional dentist can fix. In these cases, you may need one or multiple implants to restore the tooth to its proper function and shape. Your prosthodontist will work closely with you to come up with the best approach moving forward.

You have worn your teeth down over time: Worn-out teeth can occur for a variety of reasons, such as bruxism (teeth grinding), biting your nails, or using your mouth as a tool. Whatever the reason for your worn-down teeth, they can affect your self-esteem and confidence. A prosthodontist can create a crown or bridge to restore your smile to its natural beauty. The restoration will be crafted to resemble the size and shape of your natural teeth so no one will be able to tell you’ve had restorative work completed.

How much does prosthodontics cost?

The cost of prosthodontics is often based on the extent of treatment necessary and the type of restoration placed. Some patients may choose implants, dentures, or bridges to replace missing teeth and restore the function of their smile. However, if you are missing several teeth in a row, you may want to speak with your dentist about All-on-4 dental implants. Additionally, the cost of veneers tends to be more expensive than other cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening. If you’re considering investing in a smile makeover through cosmetic dentistry, you should meet with our dentist for an initial consultation to get an estimate of your costs.

If you’ve lost a tooth or have severe tooth damage, you may need to undergo extensive restorative dentistry in order to repair your smile. This is often done using one or more prosthetics, such as a denture, bridge, crown, or implant. When you meet with our dentist about your treatment options, we will be able to provide you with a cost estimate for your procedure or treatments.