FAQ - Prosthodontics
Q. If I have all my teeth pulled and dentures made will I ever have to see my Prosthodontist again?
A. The answer is yes. When teeth are pulled the bone that once supported those teeth resorbs, or shrinks as it heals. The denture you have made will fit for awhile, but as time goes on will loosen. This can be problematic as the dentures can rub and irritate the soft tissues that the denture rests on. Overgrowth of the tissue, inflammation, and sore spots can follow because of poor fit. So it is advised that you continue to see your Prosthodontist every 3-6 months during the first year and then yearly for recall after that. They will check the bite and fit to determine if a reline is needed. So even if you wear dentures you should routinely visit your Prosthdontist for check ups.
Q. What is a crown?
A. A crown is a restoration that covers the entire visible part (crown) of a tooth. Crowns can be cemented onto a natural tooth or onto an implant. The color of a crown depends on the material that is used to make it. A gold crown is yellow in color, although in can be silver in color if less gold is used and if more platinum or palladium is used. A porcelain crown is white and is characterized to match the shade of your natural teeth. The longevity of crowns can vary from patient to patient. Crowns usually fail due to fracture or cavities forming at the margin where the crown joins the tooth. With proper diet, brushing, and flossing crowns can last 8-12 years or longer.
Q. What is a Prosthodontist?
A. A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in esthetic restorations and replacement of your broken or missing teeth. They are specialists who have received 2-3 years of additional training after dental school to learn how to manage complex treatment as it relates to restoring your teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, removable partials, veneers, and implants. They do this to reestablish both the function of your teeth and to create a pleasing esthetic smile. A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in prosthodontics, the specialty of implant, esthetic and reconstructive dentistry.
Q. Can I help prevent oral cancer?
A.A. Your dentist should look for signs of oral cancer in your mouth at every routine checkup. You can help your dentist by advising him/her of any unusual color changes in the tissues in your mouth (red or white areas), abnormal growths, ulcerated areas that don't heal, areas of numbness or pain, or any problems with chewing or swallowing. Oral cancers often are found on the sides of the tongue, under the tongue, and on the soft palate, though they can occur on any soft tissues throughout the mouth. People who drink alcohol or smoke are more likely to get oral cancer, but anyone can get it, which is why early detection is so important.
Q. I thought cavities were a problem for kids but not adults. As an adult, can I still get cavities?
A. As long as you have teeth, you can get cavities. Cavities result from bacteria in your mouth that feed on carbohydrates in your diet. As the bacteria feed on the carbohydrates, they release acid that dissolves away tooth structure. As people age, they tend to get cavities around old fillings or crowns, or on root surfaces that have become exposed due to receding gums. People with dry mouth tend to have more problems with cavities than other people who have normal salivary flow. Everybody has bacteria in their mouth, so if you still have teeth and still eat carbohydrates, you can still get cavities.