Prosthodontist Castle Rock, CO

Board-Certified Prosthodontists

Many prosthodontists choose to seek board certification to set them even further apart from other dental professionals. This designation demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and ethical practices. Board certification also shows that the professional values the patient-doctor relationship and is devoted to advancing restorative dentistry.

To obtain board certification, a prosthodontist must successfully pass the American Board of Prosthodontics' four-part examination. The ABP requires certified professionals to undergo the recertification process every eight years to ensure they are current on best restorative practices.

Why Prosthodontics

Patients who can benefit from a prosthodontist's care and knowledge often have complex or atypical dental restoration needs. A prosthodontist can help with the following issues:

• Cleft palates or missing teeth
• Complete and removable partial dentures
• Complex care management
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Dental implants
• Oral cancer reconstruction
• Snoring and sleep disorders
• Temporomandibular joint syndrome/disorder
• Tooth replacement
• Traumatic facial injuries

While cosmetic dentists and general dentists can provide care for some of the above issues, consultation with a prosthodontist before undergoing dental restoration helps explore various treatment options. Prosthodontists have advanced training and utilize the most current restoration technology and techniques. Moreover, these professionals work with an understanding of the mouth's intricate dynamics, which helps achieve optimal smile makeover results.

Areas of Prosthodontic Treatment

All prosthodontic patients undergo an extensive examination and consultation before receiving treatment. Once the doctor has a deep understanding of a patient's needs, an in-depth treatment plan is devised that may or may not necessitate several other dental professionals. Though the list of treatments is extensive, prosthodontists generally offer the following services:

• Crowns: Patients may need crowns if they recently underwent a root canal or have fractured, misshapen or broken teeth. Crowns cover the entire visible surface of a tooth above the gum line. They are sometimes also known as caps.
• Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are ultra-thin casings of ceramic that cover the front of the tooth. Veneers reshape, elongate, or change the color of teeth. Occasionally they are implemented to close small gaps.
• Dental Implants: Implants are necessary to replace missing or severely damaged teeth. Implants consist of titanium steel posts that the dentist embeds into the gum line via a surgical procedure. These posts fuse to the jawbone and provide unwavering support for the cap, designed to look and feel like a natural tooth.
• Dentures: Full and partial dentures help improve the aesthetics and functionality of a person who is missing several teeth. Implant-supported dentures provide additional stability. They are attached to the implants rather than resting on the gums.
• Fixed Bridges: This method involves using a natural tooth on either side of a gap to support a bridge of one or more artificial teeth. The placement of a bridge usually takes several dental visits. Bridges may last for 10 to 15 years.

Finding a Local Prosthodontist

Luckily, finding a local prosthodontist is now easier than ever. Online review sites, such as Healthgrades, are a popular starting place for many potential patients when looking for a new prosthodontist. These allow individuals to compare and contrast potential providers. Patients can also turn to a practice's social media practice to determine if a doctor may be a good fit for them.

More traditional patients can also rely on word-of-mouth referrals from their friends, family members, or doctors. Regardless of whatever method an individual chooses, everyone should begin their search knowing what they are looking for: Do they want a prosthodontist that is nearby for optimal convenience? Are they looking for someone who treats all ages so that they can take the whole family? These questions can help guide one's search.