Why have I been referred to a Prosthodontist?

Your dental needs are beyond the scope of a general dentist. This referral is indicative of the strong commitment to optimal dental care that your dentist has for you.

What extra education has a prosthodontist received?

After completing four years of dental school, prosthodontists receive three additional years of specialized training in an accredited graduate education program. Rigorous training provides prosthodontists with a special understanding of the dynamics and esthetics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth and the creation of tooth replacement. Most general dentists have been taught by prosthodontists.

Dr. Wadhwani and Dr. Piñeyro both lecture nationally as well as internationally and are affiliate instructors in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Washington.

What dental procedures does a prosthodontist perform?

Prosthodontists are the experts in dental rehabilitation and have mastered many procedures including: crowns, bridges, veneers, removable partial dentures, dentures and dental implants. In addition to restoring dental implants with restorations, many prosthodontists are surgically placing implants as well.

Is a prosthodontist different from a “cosmetic dentist”?

The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, and the ADA does not include “cosmetic dentistry” as a specialty. Prosthodontists receive extensive training and experience in dental esthetics and cosmetics during their graduate programs which currently last three years. Many cosmetic dentists receive training during seminars or a series of courses, but this training is usually limited to weekend or possibly weeklong courses.

Will the prosthodontist complete my required treatment?

The prosthodontist is best viewed as the “architect” of your dental project. S/he has the vision of your final outcome, both the esthetics of your smile and the improved function of your bite. Often other dental specialties may participate in your treatment to help establish a solid foundation for your restorations. Every prosthodontist develops a treatment plan customized for each individual patient, and s/he will determine if adjunctive procedures by another doctor are necessary.

What is the difference between an implant and a bridge?

Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge requires grinding down the teeth on both sides of the space so that a bridge can be cemented on to them. A benefit of having an implant is the neighboring teeth do not need to be involved in treatment.

How will I benefit from dental implants?

Implants are used to replace one or more teeth without affecting neighboring teeth, replace a removable partial denture with a fixed bridge, secure an unstable partial denture and provide support to a complete denture.

What steps are involved in implant treatment?

An implant is surgically placed in your jawbone by an oral surgeon or a periodontist. Dental implants normally take between three and six months to become firmly imbedded in bone. During this time, you will usually have a temporary restoration to close the space. Once the implant is integrated, a prosthodontist will then fabricate a custom abutment and implant crown.

How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?

You should have your teeth examined and cleaned at least twice a year. Sometimes your dentist may recommend that you have more frequent cleanings depending on your periodontal health. Regular exams and cleanings visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. At these visits your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities, oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, examination of existing restorations and radiographs, removal of plaque and tartar and oral hygiene instruction.

What should I know about oral cancer?

As part of your regular dental exam, your dentist also performs an oral cancer screening. Because of this, many pre-cancers and cancers of the oral cavity can be found early. This is why it is important to have regular check ups whether you have your natural teeth or not.