Prosthodontist - Santa Barbara, CA

What is Prosthodontics (Tooth Repair and Replacement)?

Prosthodontics is a dental specialty which involves the repair and replacement of teeth and bone within the mouth. This specialty integrates oral health and dental esthetics to achieve improved teeth, gum, and jaw structures. Prosthodontists use dental prostheses (fabricated implants) to restore teeth function and to enhance their appearance.

Prosthodontists examine patients' extraoral (jaw and neck area) and intraoral (within the mouth) structures, patient symptoms, and medical history to determine what procedures are necessary or available to their patients. Patients are also screened for dental diseases. Diagnosis may use dental X-rays, dental casts, tissue samples, and other imaging techniques to determine appropriate treatment.

Prosthodontic treatment ranges from minor cosmetic procedures to complex full teeth restorations. Typical prosthodontic treatments may include:

Permanent dental crowns, caps, and bridges to modify missing or damaged teeth
Removable prosthodontics, such as dentures
Cosmetic procedures, such as veneers
Dental implants to completely replace teeth
Repair or revision of previous dental implants

Implant devices can be custom-designed and fitted to the patient's specifications. Prosthodontists use two different techniques to permanently attach implants. Crowns, bridges, and other devices can be secured to the teeth or gums using tiny screws surgically implanted into the jawbone. Dental cement is used to affix veneers and some implants to natural teeth. Prosthodontists may collaborate with general dentists, dental laboratory technicians, and orthodontists to implement dental treatment plans