What Is a Prosthodontist? Parker, CO
Taking care of your mouth is essential for preventing a wide array of different oral health concerns such as cavities and gum disease. Your daily oral hygiene routine should include things like brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and having your mouth professionally cleaned and examined biannually. Even with proper prevention, however, sometimes the issue can still develop. Oral health issues require treatment right away. Sometimes, your issues may require the expertise of a specialist. If you have suffered tooth damage or tooth loss, a prosthodontist is necessary. Parker Dental Implant and Specialty Center can help.
What Is a Prosthodontist?
There are nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, prosthodontics being one of them. A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the field of prosthodontics. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Ahmed focuses on repairing and restoring damaged teeth. We also specialize in replacing teeth that have been lost. In repairing, restoring, and replacing teeth, we help to improve your oral health, the functionality of your mouth, and the quality of your smile.
Like all other dentists, prosthodontists attend 4 years of dental school. After these 4 years, we go on to attend an additional 2 to 3 years of education and specialized training focusing on the field of prosthodontics. In addition to classes and lectures, we also receive hands-on training with real patients under the guidance of experienced professionals. We learn all about the latest tools, technologies, and treatments involved in prosthodontics as well as how to use them properly.
Restoring Your Damaged Teeth
Tooth damage can occur as a result of many different issues, including a car accident, a fall, a sports injury, or getting into a fight. Decay can also cause serious problems. When damage occurs, several issues can develop. Minor issues might only cause aesthetic concerns, but more significant damage can cause serious complications. Damaged teeth can worsen over time, leaving them susceptible to splitting or shattering. The affected teeth may develop a painful, dangerous infection. We can provide treatment for several different types of tooth damage. Common treatments include dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns. In the case of irreparable damage, we can also perform tooth extractions.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Tooth loss is a serious issue. No matter if you lose your teeth due to trauma, severe decay, or advanced gum disease, or if you have to have damaged teeth extracted, replacing those teeth is important. Following tooth loss, your whole life is negatively impacted. Basic daily functions like eating and speaking become more challenging. The quality of your smile is diminished. Tooth loss also causes bone loss in the jaw, which alters your bite as well as the shape of your face. When your bite is altered, your risk for cavities and gum disease increases, and you are at an increased risk for issues like bruxism and TMJ disorder. As highly experienced prosthodontist, Dr. Ahmed can replace your missing teeth and give you back your life.
What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?
Following tooth loss, you have a few options. During your consultation, we will go over all of your available options and help to determine the best one for you. Common treatments for tooth loss include:
- Bridges. A bridge, most commonly a fixed bridge, is a traditional solution for replacing one to three missing teeth. This treatment consists of a replacement tooth set between two crowns, which anchor onto the adjacent healthy teeth for support.
- Dentures. Dentures are another traditional solution for tooth loss. A partial denture replaces a section of teeth while a full denture replaces an entire arch. Dentures consist of an acrylic gum-colored base that holds acrylic resin or porcelain teeth. The base rests directly on your gums for support. This type of restoration is removable.
- Dental implants. If you want a modern option for replacing missing teeth, implants are the best bet. This treatment uses titanium posts to support ceramic crowns. The posts are surgically implanted into your jawbone, where the bone fuses to them. This stabilizes the posts, ensuring that they provide secure support for your replacement teeth. Implants are a long-term solution for tooth loss that can even be permanent.
If you have suffered tooth damage or tooth loss, a prosthodontist can provide you with the expert care that you need to restore your oral health, the functions of your mouth, and even the quality of your smile. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Parker Dental Implant and Specialty Center at (720) 522-2000 today.