FAQs

What is a Prosthodontist?

Prosthodontists are experts in the restoration and replacement of teeth - they make smiles look beautiful and function the way they should. After completing four years of dental school, Prosthodontists receive another three years of specialized training in an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited graduate program. Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the ADA.

Many like to think of Prosthodontists as the "quarterback" of a dental treatment plan. They regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions for your dental needs.

How is the Process of Replacing Lost Teeth Done?

Loss of natural teeth—whether in an accident or as part of the aging process—can be traumatic. It can even affect your outlook in life. Simple pleasures such as smiling or going out for dinner becomes a source of stress and embarrassment. With the help of a Prosthodontist, you can get back that much needed confidence. A Prosthodontist can help you choose from the many options available to restore some or all of your teeth.

Thanks to the pioneering techniques of Prosthodontics, there are many options available to help you regain your smile, improve your appearance and rebuild your self-confidence. From crowns, bridges and full or partial dentures to permanent solutions such as dental implants, these methods, which have greatly improved over the last decade, can help you flash that perfect smile once more.

A prosthodontist works with you through every step of the dental implant treatment—from the initial consultation to follow-up care.

What is Complex Care Management?

Prosthodontists are trained to manage the most complex dental restorations. From patients requiring rehabilitation after a traumatic injury to creating new smiles for those born with some genetic facial deformities, Prosthodontists have the special skills needed to restore smiles.

What is Cosmetic / Esthetic Dentistry?

A healthy smile has a significant impact on self-esteem. If you are unhappy about your smile, you may run into a baffling array of claims. Many dentists claim to be cosmetic specialists. They are able to do so, because cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. So, how do you find a dentist qualified to be your cosmetic specialist? Consult a Prosthodontist.

With their advanced training, Prosthodontists can improve your appearance by fixing broken, discolored or crooked teeth and associated structures. Some treatments that can improve your smile are:

Placement of complete ceramic aesthetic crowns or "caps" on the teeth
Placement of veneers on the teeth to conceal defects
Use of bonding technology on a tooth's surface to change its shape or to close unwanted gaps
Bleaching of discolored teeth to whiten your teeth and brighten your smile

What are The Benefits of Going to a "PRO" for Improving Your Smile?

Some Sunnyvale dentists perform implant surgery, as well as reconstructive and cosmetic dental work after merely attending a weekend course on a certain dental procedure. While that may sound okay for some, nothing beats the rigorous and intensive formal three-year training that Prosthodontists go through beyond the regular dental school.

Cosmetic or reconstructive dental work procedures are best left to experts and specialists. Do your research before making a decision to ensure proper care. As ADA-recognized specialists, Prosthodontists are qualified to offer care through state-of-the-art procedures and techniques. These include:

Dental implants
Cosmetic dentistry
Complex care management involving multiple specialists
Complete and removable partial dentures
Replacing lost teeth
Special needs of geriatric patients
Children born with cleft palate or missing teeth
Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ syndromes
Traumatic injuries
Snoring and sleeping disorders
Maxillofacial prosthetic procedures such as oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care