It’s common for patients in need of more specialized dental procedures -- such as reconstruction, implants or other surgeries -- to be referred by their dentist to a prosthodontist. Before your first appointment, take a look at some questions you may want to ask a trusted Scottsdale prosthodontist like Dr. Michael Bleeker.
6 Common Questions For A Prosthodontist
Why do I need a prosthodontist? How is a prosthodontist different from a dentist?
A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school as well as three additional years of advanced training and education in an ADA-accredited prosthodontic graduate program. They specialize in treating and handling dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing tooth and jaw structures. A prosthodontist is highly trained in cosmetics, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD), and more.
Prosthodontists also work with patients who have congenital defects or problems arising from trauma and medical conditions that have led to missing teeth or other forms of dental damage.
What will my smile look like?
To get an accurate idea of what results you’ll see from a specific maxillofacial procedure, your prosthodontist will guide you through before-and-after mockups.
Scottsdale prosthodontist Dr. Bleeker will make sure you know exactly how the procedure(s) will impact not only your teeth but also your facial structure and jawline. A great prosthodontist like Dr. Bleeker will provide you with charts, before-and-after patient pictures, and even projected renderings of the anticipated results. When you undergo a prosthodontic procedure with Dr. Bleeker, you will never be in the dark about the process and can expect wonderful results every step of the way!
Will I need any additional follow-up treatments or ongoing dental care down the road?
Many prosthodontic procedures will require follow-up treatments or even further operations. While some procedures can be carried out during a single appointment, make sure you’re aware of every aspect of your post-procedure care. The best prosthodontists will explain all minutiae of a procedure -- from pre-procedure all the way to post-procedure care and ongoing maintenance.
How long will the results last?
This depends on your maxillofacial procedure. Whether you undergo teeth whitening or get dental implants, be sure to ask Dr. Bleeker about the longevity of your specific procedure’s results.
What treatments can a prosthodontist do to improve my smile and my dental health?
Scottsdale prosthodontist Michael Bleeker, DMD, serves an extremely diverse range of patient needs:
What are your credentials?
Scottsdale prosthodontist Michael L. Bleeker, DMD, FACP, attended dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Following dental school, he completed the General Practice Residency at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Bleeker completed the Combined Prosthodontics Residency at the Veterans Administration Medical Center and The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. Dr. Bleeker continued his study of Prosthodontics by completing the Fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center. He completed his education at The Ohio State University, College of Dentistry in Columbus, Ohio. While there, he studied implant dentistry with Dr. Edwin McGlumphy, Dr. Peter Larson and the late Dr. Larry Peterson. Dr. Bleeker is a Board Certified specialist in Prosthodontics.
He is also affiliated with the following prestigious dental organizations:
Diplomate, The American Board of Prosthodontics
Fellow, American College of Prosthodontists
Fellow, The American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics
Member, American Dental Association
Member, Arizona Dental Association
President, Central Arizona Dental Society
In addition to his many accomplishments and credentials in his field, Dr. Bleeker served as a prosthodontist in the United States Army Reserves. He cared for the troops in Iraq with the 380th Medical Company-Dental Service.
Schedule your next appointment with Scottsdale prosthodontist Dr. Michael Bleeker today.