Dental Prosthodontics
What is Dental Prosthodontics?
“Dental prosthodontics \prŏs ́tha-dŏn ́tĭks\ is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or maxillofacial tissues by using biocompatible substitutes”.
Why See a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist specialises in the management of more complex issues where there are particular challenges in restoring the structure, function, aesthetics or comfort of your dentition and associated structures. They have undergone a recognised training programme of at least 3 years of full-time study and will often provide assistance to the entire dental team.
Prosthodontics Treatments
We offer a full range of prosthodontic treatments to restore the aesthetics, structure and function of your teeth or replace those that are missing. This may involve crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures or implants. Sometimes a combination of these techniques will be required to address all your concerns and fully rehabilitate your dentition. In such cases, a specialist opinion may be beneficial.
Made from ceramic, metal or a combination of both, crowns are used to restore and protect damaged, discoloured or heavily restored teeth. Crowns can be used for a wide array of dental problems, helping to improve the look and function of your teeth. Increasingly, partial coverage bonded ceramic crowns or onlays are used to restore and protect teeth while preserving more of their natural structure.
Dentures
Diagnosis
Establishing the extent and causes of your current dental issues is essential prior to embarking on complex care.
Treatment Planning
Frequently, complex cases require the input of several dental and even medical specialties. Our Prosthodontists will co-ordinate this team and ensure a cohesive treatment plan has been established to achieve the patient’s goals.
Provision of Complex Care
Delivery of complex restoration and replacement of tooth structure/teeth. This may include surgical placement of implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and other appliances.
Long-term maintenance
Complex restorative treatment often requires long-term oversight and maintenance. Our prosthodontist will work with you, your general dentist and sometimes other specialists to ensure the best possible long-term outcomes for you.
Second Opinions
Patients with challenging issues may be uncertain of the best approach to their care. These patients and their general dentist or other specialists may value the opinion of a prosthodontist in establishing the most appropriate care. Where medico-legal issues arise, dental prosthodontics specialists are often called upon to assess the issues and provide guidance on the most appropriate remedial care.
Developmental Disorders
A number of genetic issues can result in the absence of one or more adult teeth. The structure and quality of the natural teeth can also be affected by genetic conditions.
Dr Robinson and Dr Elliott have decades of experience in managing missing teeth (hypodontia) and problems with dental development (amelogenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta). A joint consultation with an orthodontist is often recommended in these complex cases. Some patients may be eligible for reduced cost treatment through the Cleft Lip and Palate Scheme or even through the public hospital system. Book an appointment with one of our prosthodontic team by calling 07 3483 2000.