DULUTH DENTAL SERVICES
Prosthodontics
What is prosthodontics in dentistry?
Missing or damaged teeth affect more than just your smile. They can make it difficult to eat, talk, or feel confident in everyday life.
Prosthodontics is a specialized area of dentistry focused on restoring and replacing missing or damaged teeth.
At Chester Creek Dental, we create and fit dental prosthetics, which are artificial teeth and structures that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.
These treatments help you chew properly, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. They also protect your remaining teeth and maintain the structure of your face and jaw.
We approach prosthodontic care with attention to both function and appearance. Your new teeth should work well and look natural. We take the time to get your prosthodontic care right.
Types of Prosthodontic Treatments
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Dental Crowns
A way to cover and protect damaged teeth. When a tooth is cracked, severely decayed, or weakened, a crown restores its shape, strength, and appearance. We custom-make each crown to match your natural teeth. Crowns let you use the tooth normally again without worry.
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Dental Bridges
These can replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth anchored to your natural teeth on either side of the gap. This permanent solution fills the space, restores your ability to chew, and prevents your remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
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Dentures
Dentures replace multiple missing teeth or a full arch of teeth. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth and attach to your remaining natural teeth. Full dentures replace all teeth in your upper or lower jaw. Modern dentures look remarkably natural and fit comfortably. They restore your ability to eat and speak normally.
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Dental Implants
Implants are permanent tooth replacements that function like natural teeth. An implant consists of a titanium post surgically placed in your jawbone, topped with a custom crown. Implants are the most durable and natural-looking option for replacing missing teeth. They don't require altering neighboring teeth and help preserve your jawbone.
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Implant-Support Dentures
This option combines the stability of implants with the convenience of dentures. Several implants anchor the denture securely in place. This prevents slipping and allows you to eat more confidently than with traditional dentures.
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Full-Mouth Reconstruction
This approach addresses multiple dental problems at once. If you have many damaged or missing teeth, we can create a comprehensive treatment plan. This might involve a combination of crowns, bridges, implants, and other procedures to fully restore your mouth.
The Prosthodontics Process
We know that prosthodontic treatment can feel overwhelming. Here are the steps you can expect when you visit our office for prosthodontic care.
STEP 1
Your first visit
It all begins with a thorough examination. We'll look at your teeth, gums, and jaw. We'll take X-rays and possibly digital impressions of your teeth. Most importantly, we'll listen to your concerns and goals. What's bothering you? What do you hope to achieve? Your input and our conversations help guide the direction of our recommendation.
STEP 2
Your treatment plan
Next, we'll explain which prosthodontic options would work best for you. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each approach, along with expected timeline and costs. You'll have time to ask questions and think things over. We never rush these decisions.
STEP 3
The treatment process
The process from here will vary widely depending on your treatment plan. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, providing adjustments after the treatment to ensure your restoration feels comfortable and natural.
Follow-up care
After restoration, patients may find it takes a little time to adjust, especially when it comes to dentures. We provide detailed instructions on care and use, and take the time to answer any questions you have. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to check on healing, see how everything is functioning, and make any adjustments.
Why choose Chester Creek Dental for prosthodontics?
At Chester Creek Dental, we have helped many patients restore their smiles and wellbeing through prosthodontic treatments. If you’re dealing with missing, damaged, or severely worn teeth, we’re here to help. You deserve to have a smile you’re proud to show off.
Your Comfort Matters to Us
We aren’t just focused on the outcomes, we want you to be comfortable throughout the whole process. We offer anesthesia and light sedation options during the procedure. Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is.
Patient-Focused Care
We care for you as a whole person, not just your dental concerns. We’re committed to listening and understanding before making any recommendations.
A Family Practice Caring for You
Chester Creek Dental is a family practice that’s been around for four decades. Our experience combined with compassionate care have allowed us to care for generations of families. We’d be honored to care for yours.
FAQs about prosthodontics
How long do prosthodontic restorations last?
Restorations can vary, but we generally see the following:
Dental crowns and bridges typically last 10 to 15 years.
Dentures usually need replacement or relining every 5 to 7 years.
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
No matter which restoration you go with, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help them last longer.
Are prosthodontic treatments painful?
No. We put great effort into making prosthodontic treatments as painless as possible. We use sedation, local anesthesia and recommend pain management techniques after procedures to help. Some tenderness is normal as your mouth heals but this can be helped with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients tell us the discomfort is much less than they expected.
How much do prosthodontic treatments cost?
Costs vary widely depending on which treatment you need. During your consultation, we'll provide clear cost estimates. Many dental insurance plans cover at least part of prosthodontic work. We also offer Cherry and CareCredit financing to make treatment costs more accessible.
Will my prosthodontic restoration look natural?
Yes. We take great care to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Modern dental materials and techniques create restorations that blend seamlessly with your smile. Most people won't be able to tell which teeth are restorations and which are natural.
Can I eat normally with prosthodontic restorations?
Generally, yes. Crowns, bridges, and implants function almost exactly like natural teeth, so holidays will be just as fun as always. Dentures require a little more time to feel natural. There may be some foods that are more challenging with dentures, but we'll provide guidance and help you adjust.
What if my restoration breaks or comes loose?
Call us right away. We'll get you in quickly to assess the problem and make repairs. Don't try to fix it yourself with glue. Keep any pieces that have broken off and bring them with you. Most problems can be repaired without needing to replace the entire restoration.
Do I need to see a specialist for prosthodontic work?
Many general dentists, including us, provide prosthodontic services. We've helped numerous patients with crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants right in our office. For more complex cases, we might refer you to a prosthodontist, which is someone who specializes exclusively in these procedures.
What happens if I don't replace missing teeth?
Missing teeth can lead to many problems over time, which is why replacement is so important. Your remaining teeth may shift into the empty space, causing bite problems. You may lose bone in your jaw where the tooth was. Chewing becomes more difficult, and you might start to avoid certain foods you’ve always enjoyed. You also might start smiling less, or your face may look sunken where teeth are missing. Replacing missing teeth isn't just about appearance. It's about protecting your oral health and function.
Bring back the smile you love.
If you want to learn more about replacing missing or damaged teeth, we're here to answer your questions and discuss your options. Call us to schedule a consultation. Together, we'll find the best way to restore your smile.
Our Dental Office
1324 E 1st Street
Duluth, MN 55805
Hours
Monday–Friday
8am–5pm
Phone
(218) 724-1332