Seeing a Prosthodontist in Roanoke: Things to Know

There are only a few clinics in Roanoke that focus on prosthodontic care. For the unversed, a prosthodontist is someone who has completed dental school along with additional three years of training in a prosthodontic program. Prosthodontists specialize in replacing lost and missing teeth using dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures, besides other conditions like temporomandibular disorders. Before you seek prosthodontic treatment in Roanoke, VA, here’s what you need to know.

When to see a prosthodontist

You are concerned about the appearance of your smile
You have issues with the shape of your face
You are missing a few teeth
You want to get dental implants

A prosthodontist is as concerned about aesthetics as overall oral health.

Procedures to expect

If you have maxillofacial concerns or any issues concerning restorative procedures, a prosthodontist can guide you on suitable treatment options. Prosthodontists specialize in a wide range of procedures, including dental implants, dental crowns, bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, and jaw bone treatments.

Getting dental implants

One of the standard procedures in prosthodontic care is dental implants. If you are missing more than a few teeth and don’t want to try dentures, you may benefit from implants fixed to the jawbone through oral surgery. Dental implants help protect the jawbone structure and work as a permanent way to replace missing teeth. You may need to wait for up to six months to get replacement teeth, but unlike dentures, these artificial teeth will not move around. Dental implants are made of titanium and don’t need extensive care. You can expect these posts to last a lifetime as long as you don’t miss regular dental appointments and keep up with oral hygiene habits.

Getting crowns

Dental crowns are made of porcelain and other materials. The crown is also called a cap, as it covers and encases an entire tooth. You may need a crown for a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy or has suffered an injury. Prosthodontists specialize in fixing dental crowns and bridges. They will also ensure that all aesthetic concerns are addressed, which means you can discuss matching the color of restorative appliances with your natural teeth. Bridges help replace one or more missing teeth and have crowns on both ends fixed to the remaining teeth to create a fixed structure.

If you have other prosthodontic concerns or want to know about a particular procedure, book your appointment now.