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Have you lost teeth due to a traumatic injury, tooth decay, or gum disease? If there was a type of dentist who specialized in restoring the function and esthetics of your mouth, would you want to see that dentist? Well, that specialty exists. It’s called prosthodontics, and it’s one of the services offered by our Temecula dentists. Today, we’ll hear from our Temecula dentists about prosthodontics and how it can help people with missing or deficient teeth.

Prosthodontics Defined

A prosthodontist is a dentist who receives two to three years of additional training to focus on the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation to restore the function, esthetic, and feel of natural teeth for patients with missing or deficient teeth. Prosthodontics is one of only nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. A general dentist must complete seven years of college and dental school before taking and passing a licensure exam in the state in which they intend to practice. A prosthodontist must do that, but then complete an additional two to three years at a university or hospital.

Areas of Expertise

A prosthodontist uses the many options available to develop a personlized treatment plan employing one or many of the following treatments:

Crowns—A crown is an artificial cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its look, feel, and function.

Implants—An implant is a rod or cylinder, made of titanium or titanium alloy, that is inserted into the jaw bone. An artificial tooth is then placed on the implant, creating the feel and appearance of a natural tooth.

Dentures—Dentures can either be full, in which an entire upper or lower arch is replaced with a prosthetic device, or partial, in which many natural teeth are retained, but supplemented with prosthetic teeth to restore a full bite.

Veneers—A veneer is a thin layer of material placed on a tooth to improve its appearance and function.

Schedule a Consultation

Our Temecula dentists offer prosthodontics, in addition to several other services, including periodontics, endodontics, and pediatric dentistry. To schedule an appointment with one of our Temecula dentists, call us at (951) 695-2290.