Prosthodontics

What is prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry focused on restoring missing or damaged teeth and jaw structures. If you’re missing one or more teeth, you’re also more likely to experience tooth decay, gum disease, and bone loss. Prosthodontics addresses these and other issues early on before they get worse.

Some of the most commonly used oral prosthetics in prosthodontics are crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Each of these prosthetics restores your smile and makes daily tasks like biting, chewing, and speaking easier. 

What is a prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the placement of oral prosthetics. Prosthodontists graduate from a traditional four-year dental school and then complete three additional years of advanced training at an ADA-accredited prosthodontic graduate program. This level of experience ensures each patient receives the best possible care.

Are there different prosthodontic services?

Dental Arts of Beverly Hills offers a full suite of prosthodontic services, including:

Dental crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a damaged or decaying tooth. Once placed, a crown covers the entire portion of enamel that sits above your gum line. A crown prevents further damage and restores your affected tooth to its original size, shape, and condition.

Bridges

A dental bridge is an oral prosthetic used to fill a gap or space in your smile. Dental bridges feature a false tooth (pontic) and two dental crowns. Your provider bonds the crowns to healthy teeth on either side of the space in your smile, preventing bone loss and tooth decay. 

All-on-4® implants

Dental implants are small titanium posts that your provider surgically places in your gumline. Traditional dental implants require one metal post for each missing tooth. All-on-4® implants support a full arch (upper or lower) with just four posts. This leads to a better fit, less surgery, and a quicker recovery time. 

Dentures 

If you don’t have enough jawbone volume to support dental implants but you’re missing most or all of your teeth, consider dentures. Dentures are a type of oral prosthetic that features a full set of teeth and false gum tissue. You apply an adhesive to the bottom of each denture to hold it in place. 

If you’re interested in learning more about prosthodontics, schedule an appointment at Dental Arts of Beverly Hills. Call the office or book online today.