Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics (noun) a branch of dentistry dealing with the replacement and rebuilding of teeth.

A prosthodontist is a specialist in cosmetic, implant and restorative dentistry, who has spent an additional four years in full-time study advancing his knowledge, skill, and ability. A prosthodontist is a diagnostic and treatment-planning expert who deals commonly with complex dental problems. Multidisciplinary dental treatment requires teamwork. A prosthodontist will usually network in a team of specialists to achieve optimal long-term dental health. There needs to be close co-operation between the general dentist, periodontist, oral surgeon, orthodontist, as well as the highly skilled dental technician in working with the patient to achieve aesthetically pleasing long-term dental health. Keep in mind that you, the patient, are the most important member of the team. Without your enthusiasm, co-operation, consent and motivation, even the best professional team would have a hard time freeing your mouth of disease and maintaining good health.

Prosthodontics deals with the preservation, rebuilding and replacement of teeth and improving their overall appearance. This can be done through fixed methods, such as dental implants, crowns and bridges, or removable appliances such as dentures.

Tooth loss may occur for many reasons. Whatever your circumstance, Dr John Bronner is able to provide an in-depth consultation to determine what treatments best suit your situation.

It is possible to replace teeth in a number of ways :

• Implants
• Bridges
• Dentures

A dental implant is a fixture, usually made from titanium, which is inserted into the jawbone to take the place of a missing tooth root. Once healing and attachment of the bone to the implant surface, called osseo-integration, has occurred, a replacement tooth is secured on the top of the fixture, blending in with the natural teeth.

A bridge is a false tooth that sits over the gum in the position of the missing tooth, secured to crowns attached to other teeth in the mouth.

Dentures are generally used when most or all the teeth are missing, and can replace either one or several at a time. A denture consists of an acrylic or metal base onto which the artificial teeth are attached. Various ways exist to stabilize or brace the denture, the best of these is to use dental implants.

With over 18 years of experience in specialist practise, we also provide cosmetic dentistry services, including tooth-whitening with the latest Elite Smile technology, allowing you to have your teeth whitened in just over an hour. As with any treatment, you will have a full consultation to determine the best course of treatment, and comprehensive aftercare service.