Perhaps your dentist recommended a prosthodontist visit to address a specific dental need. But what exactly can a prosthodontist do for you? Trusted Scottsdale prosthodontist Dr. Michael Bleeker performs a wide range of procedures -- and below, he discusses a few of the treatments he specializes in for patients.
Treatments Available
Prosthodontic treatments are designed to be functional, long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. However, if you have more serious dental health issues -- keep in mind that these prosthodontic procedures can only be carried out on a generally healthy mouth. Issues such as gum disease must be controlled before your prosthodontist’s treatments can start.
There’s an ever-growing variety of high-tech prosthodontic treatments available, including the following:
Dental Implants – Implants are designed by your Scottsdale prosthodontist to replace natural teeth in the most effective and non-noticeable fashion. Titanium roots are inserted into the jawbone in the same way as the roots on your natural teeth. Implants look and feel the same as natural teeth, so patients leave Dr. Bleeker’s office with a healthy, bright smile that’s natural-looking and functional.
Dental Crowns – Prosthetic crowns are generally made from porcelain, metal or a combination of the two. They have been designed to mimic the natural crown (the surface of your tooth) and can last up to a decade, possibly longer. This is another procedure Dr. Bleeker performs to help patients have healthy, radiant teeth.
Dental Bridges – Conventional and cantilever dental bridges are utilized to support a prosthetic tooth. The natural teeth can support the bridge if they are in good condition, or dental implants may be inserted as anchors.
Dental Veneers – Veneers are porcelain/ceramic covers that are bonded to your natural teeth. Veneers can instantly solve pervasive dental issues such as uneven and stained teeth, as well as chips and damage caused by general wear and tear. These help you achieve a glowing, even smile.
Complete Dentures – A complete set of dentures can be created by Dr. Bleeker for people who have lost all of their natural teeth due to gum disease or dental trauma. A full set of dentures restores functionality to the mouth and also makes chewing and speaking easier.
Partial Dentures – In areas where many teeth have been lost, removable or fixed partial dentures can prove to be an excellent option. They enhance your smile’s aesthetics and also improve your ability to chew effectively.
What other issues can your prosthodontist address?
In addition to performing the above treatments, prosthodontists are also highly skilled at treating jaw problems (TMJ), alleviating severe snoring, managing sleep apnea, and reconstructing the teeth following oral cancer treatments. Typically, a prosthodontist works in combination with other dental health professionals to make sure the best possible restorative results are achieved.
If you have any concerns about the state of your current dental health, schedule a consultation with top Scottsdale prosthodontist Dr. Michael Bleeker. It’s time to get your smile back on track!
Contact Scottsdale prosthodontist Dr. Bleeker today to learn more about these treatments and see if any of these are recommended for you to improve your smile.