5 Reasons To See a Dentist That Offers Prosthodontics in Their Practice
What is prosthodontics?
Many things can leave teeth worn down, damaged, and broken, from tooth decay to gum disease, behaviors like bruxism, and accidental injuries. But just because enamel damage can be irreversible doesn’t mean patients have to live with its effects permanently.
Prosthodontics, a specialized field of dental care, uses restorative and cosmetic procedures to erase damage and replace missing teeth. Best of all, you don’t need to see a specialist for great prosthodontic care. Dentists like Dr. Staley can repair your smile with long-lasting, realistic restorations in the comfort of the same office you already visit twice a year.
Here’s why prosthodontics is necessary and how you’ll benefit from seeing a dentist trained in prosthodontic care.
1. Prosthodontic care includes several types of dental restorations.
The term “prosthodontics” might not be as recognizable as “orthodontics,” but chances are you’re more familiar with this type of dentistry than you might think.
Popular services that are considered prosthodontic care include:
These prosthodontic treatments are often categorized as either restorative or cosmetic. For example, porcelain veneers are usually listed as a cosmetic service, while a dental crown is often restorative. All of these services fall under the prosthodontic umbrella because each involves rehabilitating weakened, damaged, or missing teeth to improve function, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.
2. Tooth loss is common, but you shouldn’t leave gaps in your smile.
Tooth loss is something that affects adults of all ages. The average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more missing teeth (not including wisdom teeth), and just over 2% have no natural teeth left. Gum disease is often the culprit for tooth loss in adulthood, but tooth decay can also lead to the need for extractions.
When you lose a tooth, it’s imperative to replace it immediately. Leaving gaps in your smile not only tanks your self-confidence but can also cause your teeth to shift out of alignment. A missing tooth also triggers jawbone resorption, which can cause its own complications.
Prosthodontic services replace missing teeth and help you regain confidence. Dentures and dental bridges are classic restorations dentists still use frequently today. Dental implants are more modern options that are considered superior because of how closely they mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.
3. Your dentist knows your oral health history and unique needs best.
Every person’s smile is different, and no one knows your oral health history as well as the dentist you see several times a year. A specialist you see on a one-time referral doesn’t have this knowledge, and they’ll need to rely on information and records from you and your dentist. Although this isn’t necessarily a problem, it’s less advantageous than seeing a dentist accustomed to your dental care needs.
4. A dentist who offers prosthodontics already understands how your mouth functions.
The difference between a prosthodontist and a dentist who offers prosthodontics comes down to the care they provide.
A prosthodontist is a specialist that strictly provides prosthodontic care, perhaps even focusing on a single service, like dental implants. Prosthodontists don’t offer preventive dental care or work with patients to maintain overall optimal oral health in that way.
A dentist providing prosthodontic care, however, offers both. They have valuable insight and education into mouth function, and the quality of prosthodontic care is just as high.
Unless you have a complicated case necessitating specialist care, your dentist can provide just as beautiful and long-lasting prosthodontics as a dedicated prosthodontist.
5. In-office prosthodontics makes aftercare and maintenance a breeze.
Seeing your favorite dentist for prosthodontic care simplifies every step of the treatment process, including aftercare and long-term maintenance.
Specialists often have long waiting lists, so you could wait months to get your tooth repaired or replaced. Additionally, scheduling a follow-up appointment or getting help with aftercare can be tricky if you have a busy schedule. There’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to be seen quickly but having to wait.
In contrast, seeing your dentist for treatment expedites the process and makes scheduling follow-up appointments easier. You’ll be cared for by the same team you’ve already grown to love, and communication with your dentist, if you have concerns, is made easy. Since you’ll continue to see your dentist every six months for a preventive checkup and cleaning, they’ll also keep an eye on how your restoration is doing.
Where to go for beautiful and durable prosthodontics near Boise, Idaho.
Dr. Staley is a dentist providing exceptional prosthodontic, cosmetic, and general dental care to patients of all ages. From teeth whitening to advanced dental implant placement, he and his team will care for your needs in their comfortable, family-friendly office in downtown Boise.
Give our office a call today to schedule an evaluation.