If the title of this article has compelled you to click on the link for reading further, it implies that you are thinking about consulting a prosthodontist. We are sure that your objective behind reading this article is to acquire a sufficient amount of relevant information about prosthodontists.
But don’t feel embarrassed as you are not the only one who doesn’t possess knowledge about these dental specialists. They are dental practitioners, who obtain specialisation in prosthodontics, which is a branch of dentistry. Patients usually come to know that they need to approach a prosthodontist when their dentist recommends them to do so.
A large number of patients approach a prosthodontist Sydney each year for seeking appropriate solutions for their dental issues. They encounter various feelings, such as nervousness, confusion, and scepticism at every stage of receiving the prosthodontic treatment. Having a certain level of knowledge can help you overcome such feelings and stay confident through your dental treatment journey.
Therefore, we have mentioned some vital information regarding the prosthodontics and dental practitioners that work in this branch of dentistry.
What is Prosthodontics and What Does It Involve?
Prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the replacement of missing teeth with dental implants and dental prostheses. The term ‘dental implants’ refers to the artificial roots of the teeth, whereas the term ‘dental prostheses’ refers to the artificial teeth. It’s worth mentioning here that prosthodontics is known by several other names as well, such as ‘dental prosthetics’, ‘prosthetic dentistry’, and ‘restorative dentistry’.
In simple words, prosthodontics branch of dentistry was developed to handle the design, fabrication, and placement of dental appliances that are used as a replacement for natural teeth, roots of the teeth, and other parts of the mouth. Dental implants, dental crowns, dentures, and bridges are different dental prostheses used in prosthodontic treatments. Both fixed and removable dental prostheses are available.
Who are Prosthodontists and What do They Do?
As stated earlier in this article, prosthodontists are dental specialists that practice prosthodontics. They complete the four-year ADA program to become eligible for this profession. Their qualification equips them with the required skills for performing a reconstruction of the entire mouth.
Patients who lose all of their teeth owing to an accident need a full mouth reconstruction. People, whose teeth are crooked from birthtime or become crooked due to any reason, also opt for getting the artificial teeth. Prosthodontic treatments enable people to have an ideal dental appearance and a beautiful smile.
Along with fitting artificial teeth and other parts of the mouth, prosthodontists are also proficient in diagnosing teeth, bite patterns, and much more. People who have an awkward bite face the risk of suffering from mouth injuries in the near or distant future. Prosthodontists have to work by paying complete attention to details for ensuring perfection in the creation and installation of dental prostheses.
Thus, patients get a normal bite pattern after receiving the treatment. Dental prostheses are made from a variety of materials, like metals, resin, and porcelain. Prosthodontists choose the right material for every patient depending on the specific needs and budget of a patient.
How Many Years do Dental Prostheses Last for?
The lifespan of a dental prosthesis can vary from one prosthesis to another. The material used for manufacturing the dental prosthesis, foods and beverages consumed by the patient, and the dental hygiene practices followed by the patient are a few factors that determine how long a dental appliance will last. Patients should brush and floss regularly for maintaining their oral health.
Which Dental Prostheses Should You Choose?
Prosthodontists select a dental prosthesis that best suits the requirements of a patient by keeping essential points in mind. These points include but are not limited to dental health, dental appearance, available treatment options, time and cost of different treatments, and budget of patients.
Over the years, new dental prostheses have been designed for fulfilling the varied needs of patients. For example, all on 4 dental implants is an advanced treatment option for replacing the entire set of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Dentures are a removable dental prosthesis option.
Conclusion
After consulting a dentist and prosthodontist, you will get a clear idea of whether you need to undergo a prosthodontic treatment or not.