Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is a dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth.
Who is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specialises in the aesthetic restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists receive three years of additional training after dental school and restore optimum appearance and function to your smile. Additional training for prosthodontists is earned through a hospital or university-based program. In Singapore, all MOH-accredited dental specialists are required to sit for an exit examination showcasing their prosthodontic works a few years after completing their postgraduate training in order to be a recognised as dental specialist.
Why visit a Prosthodontist?
You may want to visit a prosthodontist if you are missing one or more teeth; you are interested in dental implants; you wear dentures or removable partial dentures; or you want to improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Will The Prosthodontist Complete All Of My Required Treatment?
Prosthodontists can be viewed as “architects” of your dental treatment. They have the vision of your final outcome, both the esthetics of your smile and the improved function of your bite. Often other dental specialists participate in treatment to help establish a solid foundation for your restorations. Every prosthodontist develops a treatment plan customized for each individual patient and determines if treatment from additional specialists is necessary.
Are You Missing One Or More Teeth?
Tooth loss creates esthetic and functional problems. Unwanted changes in your chewing ability and in your facial appearance affect your confidence and self-esteem. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist uniquely qualified to restore the appearance of your smile and help you regain the optimum function of your teeth.
Many factors contribute to missing teeth – some people are born without certain teeth, and some lose teeth because of disease, injury, and wear from clenching or grinding. Depending on the number of missing teeth, the condition of the remaining teeth, and your desires, teeth may be replaced by implant-supported crowns/bridges, conventional fixed bridges, or removable partial dentures – only a specialist knows for sure.
Are You Interested In Dental Implants?
In the past three decades, the use of dental implants has progressed from the extreme to the conservative. Initially, implants were used only in patients missing all of their teeth. Now implants are used for the replacement of a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch of teeth with a high degree of success. Depending on the condition of your mouth and your desires, a prosthodontist can recommend the type of treatment right for you.
Do You Wear Dentures?
When dealing with extensive decay and/or periodontal (gum) disease, many people must resort to dentures to replace their natural teeth. Over time, the jawbone shrinks, and successfully wearing dentures becomes more and more of a challenge. Using skills and techniques based on research and experience, a prosthodontist possesses the ability to provide the best possible custom-fitted dentures. Your prosthodontist may recommend dental implants to stabilize the denture and prevent your jawbone from excessive shrinking.
Do You Want To Improve Your Smile?
The concepts and rules dictating the development of a pleasing smile were determined by prosthodontists almost a century ago. Prosthodontists receive extensive training in the correction of esthetic imbalances of a smile during their specialty training programs. Doesn’t your smile deserve a specialist’s care?