What Options do Prosthodontists Offer to Restore Teeth?

Damaged teeth can affect your smile’s appearance and function, so when a tooth has been compromised by advanced decay or dental trauma or some other issue, it’s important to have the tooth restored so that it can look and work normally.

A dentist who specializes in this aspect of dental care is called a prosthodontist. Depending on the degree of injury to the tooth, the prosthodontist may use any number of devices or techniques to repair the flaw.

Because aesthetics are such an important consideration when it comes to your smile, the best prosthodontist will take every step possible to create a lifelike restoration that blends in with your natural teeth. The patient also has a great deal of input into this process in terms of the shade and shape, when applicable, of the restoration.

For smaller flaws, like small cavities, or chips or cracks, a minor intervention like dental bonding or an inlay or onlay may suffice. In cases of severe decay, the prosthodontist may place a crown, which is a tooth-shaped cap made of porcelain or other materials. The crown strengthens the tooth while improving its appearance.

Veneers are popular among patients whose primary goal is to improve the smile’s aesthetics. These thin, tooth-shaped shells, also made from porcelain, can conceal any number of imperfections, like chips, cracks and stains. They can also create the appearance of proper alignment in a stretch of slightly crooked teeth.

If the tooth is missing or must be removed, the patient will be able to choose between a bridge, denture or dental implants. That last treatment option offers the most durable solution for tooth loss, but a number of factors come into play when considering tooth replacement treatment. The patient will need to weigh the location of tooth loss, financial concerns and impact on oral health, among other issues.

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile or in need of a restoration for a damaged or missing tooth, consult with a prosthodontist to learn more about your treatment options.