Dental health plays a vital role in shaping your overall health dynamics. Your teeth are not there, to deliver a smile only. They must be healthy and intact. Loss of natural teeth and other oral structures can be a painful experience, whether it’s due to a congenital defect, natural aging, or a serious accident.
In some instances, an individual may lose the ability to chew or smile properly. Through Prosthodontics, dentists help restore oral aesthetics and functions, so that people can come back to normality, and are free of limitations, pain, and shame. Below is a detailed guide on what Prosthodontics is and when one should visit a prosthodontist.
What is Prosthodontics?
According to American Dental Association (ADA),
“Prosthodontics is the dental specialty about the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.”
In other words, when we mention Prosthodontics, we’re talking about the areas in our mouth that can handle dental procedures, including prostheses or restorations. For patients with missing or damaged teeth or maxillofacial issues, Prosthodontics is the area or field that will treat them with specialized oral care.
Who is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is an ADA certified dental specialist who manufactures, designs, and fits different types of restorative prosthetics for people with missing or damaged teeth. The American College of Prosthodontists claims that Prosthodontics aims at promoting a practice of implant and advanced study, reconstructive, and aesthetic dentistry.
Why You Should See a Prosthodontist
There are many reasons to visit a prosthodontist. It could be due to a congenital (birth-related) condition, an accident involving the mouth, or some cosmetic reasons. A prosthodontist is thoroughly trained in state-of-the-art procedures and techniques for creating detailed and complex dental issues. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit a prosthodontist.
1. Denture Implant Fit and Placement
Prosthodontists are experts in keeping your teeth and oral structures intact. They specialize in proper placement and fitting of crowns, removable or solid dentures, and bridges. A prosthodontist will first have a look at the current condition of your jawbone and gums to determine the best shape and size and then move forward to designing such specifications.
2. Jaw, Sleep, or Snoring Issues
If you want to address your snoring and sleep disorders and fix temporomandibular problems, you should visit a prosthodontist as soon as possible. The joints and muscles surrounding your jaw make up the temporomandibular area of your body. These problems become more clear and noticeable while chewing, yawning, or sleeping. A prosthodontist can help you solve such problems by getting you through the right and advanced treatment procedures.
3. Traumatic Injury Repairs
Prosthodontists also specialize in repairs from traumatic and severe injuries to the mouth, teeth, face, and surrounding areas.
4. Oral Cancer Reconstruction
Oral cancer is treated with surgery to remove any kind of cancerous growth. However, to further address any type of cosmetic concerns, a prosthodontist can also perform an oral cancer reconstruction surgery afterwards.
5. Cosmetic Surgery
Prosthodontists can also aid cosmetic surgeons in many ways. However, they can also perform several basic cosmetic procedures on their own. Most people desire a more uniform and white smile. They can help in the maintenance and rehabilitation of oral function and smile appearance.
What can a Prosthodontist Do?
Prosthodontists can perform a variety of preventative and routine procedures, including daily checkups, dental cleanings, and fillings. However, along with the general work, they can also perform more complex dental procedures, where replacement teeth are needed. Some of the most common procedures done by prosthodontists are as follows.
1. Crowns
Crowns are caps that are placed on an implant or a tooth to function and look like a natural tooth. There are many different types and shapes of crowns, according to different dental conditions.
2. Implants
Implants are frames or metal posts that are implanted into your jawbone to make space for the crown and fit it accordingly. The cap placed in the implant will function and look like a natural tooth.
3. Bridges
When you are missing some teeth, a prosthodontist can replace and restore them in an aesthetic manner. Normally, they take the final form of crowns on either side of the affected tooth. They hold the pontic or false tooth and keep them intact. They are the most popular alternative for missing teeth.
4. Veneers
Veneers are defined as a thin piece of porcelain layer that provides your mouth with a more natural look and gives them strength. A prosthodontist places and fixes veneers on the enamel of the damaged tooth.
5. Full Mouth Reconstruction
If you want to reconstruct your smile on a larger scale, there are many different restorative options available. A prosthodontist will choose a restoration procedure that suits your oral structures the best, and reconstruct your mouth.
What Are the Benefits of Seeing a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist will always be one step ahead of your regular dentist. He knows exactly how to deal with the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth. Additionally, he also has the advanced knowledge and skills of making them look perfectly natural and aesthetic. Alongside the visual benefits, he can also restore the normal functions of your teeth.
Not every dentist can clean and treat your teeth, and cure oral diseases. He can always recommend you to another dentist or prosthodontist. It can be quite a hassle and requires a lot of money and time. However, if you directly visit a prosthodontist, he won’t be recommending you further but will treat all of your dental issues with advanced restoration procedures. Working with one doctor for all of your treatments will make you feel more comfortable with the treatments.
Work on Getting a Bright Smile- and Healthy Teeth
Hygiene is the practice of many behaviors to improve cleanliness and magnify one’s health. The same is the case with oral health. It doesn’t function on its own, you need to look after your teeth, gums, and mouth, to save yourself from any kind of dental issues. Getting into unfortunate accidents is not in our hands, but what we can do is look after our health. Proper dental care can help keep away undesirable oral health conditions, such as gingivitis, cavities, bad breath, and tooth decay. In a nutshell, as the American College of Prosthodontists puts it,
“Everyone can enjoy the confidence, fullness of life, and overall well-being that comes from a healthy mouth and an attractive smile.”