What is prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the restoration and maintenance of the patient's masticatory function, comfort, aesthetics and health by restoring natural teeth and/or replacing teeth.
In modern society, declining oral health and tooth loss are often due to caries and periodontal disease. Other causes include oral cancer, trauma and masticatory movement disorders such as bruxism. As a result, the patient may suffer from aesthetic problems, impaired masticatory function, psychological discomfort and impaired quality of life.
As the oral architect of the oral health team, the prosthodontist develops treatment plans in close collaboration with other dental specialists in order to provide patients with the best possible care. The prosthodontist's clinical expertise covers two broad areas:
- Diagnosis, therapeutic planning and prevention.
- Dental treatment with a wide range of solutions such as fillings, prostheses, veneers, crowns, bridges, splints, implants and cosmetic interventions.
Aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry
Why do I need a prosthodontist?
Additional training provides prosthodontists with extensive knowledge in diagnosing and solving dental health problems. Prosthodontists are experts in diagnosis and therapeutic planning. Identifying the causes of oral decay is a key element of any treatment in order to slow the progression of the pathology, minimise its effects on the oral environment, develop an effective treatment strategy and prevent recurrence of the problem.
In addition to the knowledge acquired during training as a general dentist, a prosthodontist receives an additional 3 years of training in clinical restorative procedures, so that he or she is highly qualified to restore function and aesthetics to decayed teeth.
Many dental problems can be corrected by a general dentist, but more complex cases require a coordinated approach, sometimes involving several specialists. In these cases, the prosthodontist has a dual role: in addition to treating the patient, he or she coordinates and supervises the dental team involved in the treatment plan.
The prosthodontist draws up treatment plans in close collaboration with other specialists, and also with general dentists, in order to provide the best possible care. It is only fair to point out that the prosthodontist owes a large part of his success to the prosthodontist or laboratory technician who manufactures the prostheses, among whom we have a good number of professionals of great merit. The good tandem of implantologist - prosthodontist - prosthodontist is fundamental to achieve a great result in the placement of prostheses and dental implants.
Dental treatments offered by the prosthodontist
Prosthodontists restore aesthetics, function and comfort by means of artificial elements. The aim is to restore damaged teeth, replace missing teeth, improve the patient's aesthetics (dental and facial) and correct oral and facial problems. According to the patient's needs, the prosthodontist chooses the type of prosthesis, either fixed or removable.
Teeth can be damaged during their development or as a result of decay, defective restoration, trauma, bruxism, acid exposure (from ingestion or disease) or reduced salivary flow. Prosthodontists offer services such as fillings, veneers and crowns to solve their patients' problems. The complexity of dental pathologies varies widely and may require minor intervention to full treatment.
These artificial materials are used in a wide variety of restorations, including fillings, removable dentures, veneers, crowns, bridges and implants. This is a very common practice and the results are excellent in terms of both comfort and aesthetics.
Depending on the needs of the individual patient, prosthodontists offer a wide range of options for tooth replacement. Whether it is a full denture, a removable partial denture, an implant, a fixed bridge or a combination of treatments.
Prosthodontists are qualified to provide high-quality care. These specialists have a thorough understanding of the procedures used in dental laboratories and work closely with prosthodontists to ensure that the custom-made prosthesis looks aesthetically pleasing and feels comfortable to the patient.
The good tandem of implantologist - prosthodontist - dental technician is essential to achieve a great end to our aims in the fitting of dental prostheses and implants.
The use of oral implants has been one of the most prominent advances in modern dentistry. As an alternative to traditional tooth replacement options, implants offer great advantages to patients.
This biotechnology is the preferred treatment option for patients who have lost some or all of their teeth. Subsequent to implant placement, a crown is connected directly to the implant, forming the closest possible match to a natural tooth.
What should I know if I start a dental prosthesis treatment?
Dental prosthesis treatment is a very suitable solution for people who have suffered a total or partial loss of their teeth. Thanks to dental prosthesis, chewing function can be recovered. In addition, the results obtained after dental orthodontic treatment are very positive. At Clínica Dental Nart we use innovative techniques that allow us to offer solutions with good performance and with an aesthetic result that goes completely unnoticed.
Before inserting a prosthesis, you must ensure that the patient fasts for 2 to 3 hours before the operation. Psychological preparation: it is important to inform the patient at all times about the procedure. In some cases, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory.
The patient feels no pain or discomfort at any time. In most cases, the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. In the case of long-term interventions (complete rehabilitations, sinus lifts, bone regeneration), sedation can be used if the patient prefers.
Contrary to what it may seem, in many cases the post-operative period involves less discomfort and discomfort than dental extractions. It may only cause minor discomfort during the healing process. In cases of major operations, with bone regeneration and grafts, inflammation often appears during the first few days, although it is not painful and allows the patient to lead a normal life.
