Maxillofacial Prosthodontics in Post Office Square, Boston, MA
Prosthodontics is a dental specialty. It involves the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of patients with missing teeth, as well as missing/deficient oral and maxillofacial tissues. A Post Office Square prosthodontist specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth and other oral structures using biocompatible substitutes.
What Is a Prosthodontist?
Prosthodontics is a specialty beyond general dentistry. It requires that a licensed dentist receives three to four years of additional training. To achieve the goal of becoming a prosthodontist, a person must:
- Earn a bachelor's degree
- Attend and complete dental school
- Pass their national boards to earn a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) license
- Attend an ADA-accredited prosthodontic graduate program
- Pass the American Board of Prosthodontics exam to receive their certification
Once they have their prosthodontic license, they can restore maxillofacial structures to improve the appearance and function of a patient's smile. They are highly trained in the following prosthetic and restorative procedures:
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
- Implants
- Jaw disorders (such as TMJ disorder)
- Rehabilitation of optimal occlusion with prosthetic devices
Specially trained prosthodontists can also work with patients with deformities of the head and neck by replacing missing parts of the face and/or jaw.
Post Office Square Maxillofacial Prosthodontic Options
Why should you visit a prosthodontist in Post Office Square? Here are some of the scenarios that bring patients into our practice.
- They have been in an accident and sustained damage to their face/mouth
- They have a congenital condition or defect
- They want to improve the esthetics of their face/teeth/smile
- Oral cancer reconstruction
- TMJ disorder
- Sleep/snoring issues
- Obstructive sleep apnea
The following are a few ways a prosthodontist can help.
Crowns
Dental crowns fit over teeth that have cracks, have deep decay, or have fractured. We can also use crowns to correct a misaligned bite. Dental crowns look like natural teeth and can be made from gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal.
Bridges
A bridge is a fixed appliance that restores a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. It is like a removable partial denture except that it is permanently cemented to the teeth.
A traditional bridge consists of at least three parts:
- A pontic: The pontic is a fake tooth that replaces the missing tooth. It is fused to the abutments.
- Two abutments: The abutments are situated on either side of the pontic. They are crowns that fit onto the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.
Implants
Dental implants also restore missing teeth. They look and function just like normal teeth. The base of the implant is integrated into the jawbone, and a dental crown is placed over it. The implant base:
- Helps maintain the bone so it does not recede
- Prevents adjacent teeth from shifting.
Dentures
We offer three types of dentures: complete, partial, and implant-retained dentures.
Complete and implant-retained dentures are for patients who are fully edentulous. It provides them with a way to speak clearly, chew thoroughly, and smile with confidence. Implant-retained dentures offer a more secure fit and are often more comfortable.
Partial dentures are similar to a bridge – they replace one or multiple missing teeth. The difference is that a partial denture is a removable appliance.
We Are Always Here to Help
If you are not happy with your smile, we want to help. Whether you want to restore damaged or missing teeth after an accident or injury or have a genetic condition, we can help. Our compassionate Post Office Square dentist will discuss what you want to achieve, as well as all your concerns and questions. Then, they will create a custom treatment plan based on your needs that will help you achieve a smile you love.
Is there something you would like to change about your smile? Contact our team at (617) 426-6011 to schedule a consultation.
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