Prosthodontics refers to a branch of dentistry that is dedicated to the creation of dental prosthetics. Specifically, it includes dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and other treatments that can repair and replace missing or damaged teeth. Sometimes, it can also include treatment for non-dental issues that result from oral complications. If you would like to restore your smile or are simply interested in learning more about this branch of dentistry, read our guide, which dives into the subject of prosthodontics.
What Is Prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics refers to the area of dentistry that specializes in the creation of dental prosthetics to restore the smile. It can also include the diagnosis and treatment of smile-related health complications. Many individuals can benefit from prosthodontic treatments. Some of the conditions that are commonly addressed with prosthodontics include:
- Severely damaged teeth
- Missing teeth
- Mouth and facial pain
- TMJ pain and dysfunction
- Sleep apnea
- Cosmetic dental issues
During a routine dental inspection, your dentist may see an issue that leads them to recommend you receive a prosthodontic fixture. If this is the case, you will need to schedule follow-up appointments with a prosthodontic specialist.
Restorative Dentistry vs. Prosthodontics
Many patients understandably believe restorative dentistry and prosthodontics to be the same. Though there is significant overlap, there are noteworthy variations that distinguish the two. Specifically, though prosthodontists tend to primarily focus on restorative dentistry practices of replacing or repairing missing and damaged teeth, they are also equipped to diagnose and treat complications that are associated with dental problems. For instance, a patient with sleep apnea who has not responded to basic treatment methods like a CPAP machine can reach out to a prosthodontist to be treated with an oral appliance instead. Restorative dentists, on the other hand, would not be able to diagnose and treat such issues.
Types of Prosthodontic Treatments
Because of the wide variety of dental complications people can face, there is an equally wide variety of treatments available to counter them. The commonly employed prosthodontics include:
Crowns
A dental crown is a cover that is placed over a badly damaged tooth. These crowns are commonly used on teeth that have extensive decay or cracks. They can also be placed on top of teeth that have recently had a root canal.
Dentures
Dentures are artificial teeth that are used to disguise the presence of missing teeth in the mouth. They can cover and replace either some or all of the teeth depending on the patient’s needs. The purpose of dentures is to give a patient a fully functioning set of appliances that can replace the function of the natural teeth.
Bridges
Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth that lie in a row next to each other. These dental prosthetics consist of two crowns with a set of artificial teeth known as pontics set in between them. Once you place the pontics, the crowns anchor them into the mouth.
Implants
Dental implants are posts that are used to replace missing teeth roots. These implants are made from surgical-grade titanium or ceramics. Implants are placed into the jawbone and covered with a crown.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and Onlays are small artificial teeth that can replace sections of damaged teeth in situations where a full replacement might not be necessary.
Risks and Advantages of Prosthodontics
There are many advantages to receiving prosthodontic treatment. Common reasons that individuals seek this treatment include:
- Replacing missing teeth
- Improving your bite and smile
- Correcting TMJ issues
- Repairing badly damaged teeth
Very few risks are undertaken when receiving prosthodontic work. There is, however, a small risk of infection or nerve damage. These risks are present in most types of dental treatments.
Recovering from Prosthodontic Treatment
The exact nature of your recovery period will depend on the type of prosthodontic treatment you receive, as well as the extent of the damage it aims to correct. Some prosthodontic treatments can take multiple sessions to fully install and will usually take more time to heal.
Your dentist or prosthodontic specialist can give you a strong estimation of your overall recovery period, depending on the treatment you receive. Be sure to closely follow all of their instructions.
Prosthodontics in Bloomington
Valley Alder Family Dentistry is dedicated to helping patients who want to enhance their smile through prosthodontics. If you would like to learn more about this branch of dentistry or schedule a prosthodontic treatment, contact our dental office to discuss your options.
