Prosthodontics

What is prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics is a formally recognized specialist branch of dentistry concerned with the aspects of replacing or repairing teeth with artificial devices such as crowns, veneers, bridges, dentures or dental implants in order to achieve comfort, aesthetics and functionality.

What is a prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a registered dental specialist who has completed additional years of study and training at university in complex restorative dentistry.

What are the reasons for seeing a prosthodontist?

Although we are a referral-based practice with the majority of our patients being referred by general dentists and other specialist dentists, a referral is not necessary. A prosthodontist’s expertise is sought in situations that involve the following:

1. When a patient has multidisciplinary needs, that is, treatment requiring the care of several dental specialists
2. When a patient has complex aesthetic requirements and careful selection of restorative material and type are essential to the achievement of a pleasing aesthetic and functional outcome
3. When complex implant-supported restorations are required such as implant-supported crowns, bridges or full arch prostheses.
4. Challenging cases which present time-consuming and unique problems for general dentists. These may include patients with significantly worn teeth, clenching issues, temporomandibular joint disorders and severe ridge resorption issues.
5. When a patient’s functionality is severely compromised by trauma, cancer surgery or defects such as a cleft palate, comprehensive reconstructive dentistry is required for the restoration of aesthetics and functionality to the patient not only for the present time but also the future.