A prosthodontist is a dentist whose specialty focuses on restoring or replacing teeth and related oral structures. People often seek one when the work involves several teeth, a complicated restoration, or a bite that needs careful planning. The replacement should not only fill a gap—it should also work comfortably in everyday life.
Dental implants are devices placed in or around the jaw to support replacement teeth. They can be used for one missing tooth, several teeth, or a full arch, but the implant itself is only one part of the restoration. The type and arrangement depend on your mouth, health, and treatment goals.
A dental implant consultation is a planning visit, not usually the day an implant is placed. Your dentist will gather information about your health, examine your mouth, and discuss what you want to change. Knowing what happens during a dental implant consultation can make the appointment feel more straightforward and help you use the time well.
When a tooth is lost, the goal is more than filling an empty space. Replacement teeth should help restore chewing, speech, facial support, and confidence while fitting the condition of your mouth. The main difference in dental implants vs dentures is how each option is held in place and how it interacts with the jaw, which your prosthodontist can evaluate during a consultation.
All-on-4 treatment has two important components: the implants anchored in the jaw and the full-arch prosthesis attached to them. The implants can remain functional for many years, while the prosthesis may need repair or replacement sooner because it experiences daily chewing forces. At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics in Spokane Valley, Dr. Michael Johnson and Dr. Michael Brooks help patients understand what really determines how long their All-on-4 restoration will last.
Osseous surgery is a periodontal procedure used to treat gum disease that has progressed beyond what routine cleanings or nonsurgical deep cleaning can reasonably control. During treatment, the gum tissue is gently moved aside so the clinician can access infected areas and irregular bone surfaces. The area is cleaned, the bone may be reshaped to create a healthier contour around the teeth, and the gum tissue is then repositioned to make the area easier to maintain. At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics in Spokane Valley, Dr. Michael Brooks and Dr. Michael Johnson evaluate whether this treatment fits a patient's overall restorative plan.
Many people feel a sense of dread when they hear the buzzing of a dental drill. For those with significant anxiety, IV sedation dentistry provides a way to undergo necessary care without the typical stress responses that make visits so difficult. The team at Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics in Spokane finds that understanding the mechanics helps remove the mystery surrounding this option and allows patients to approach their appointments with more confidence.
Deciding to restore your smile with a full-arch implant procedure is a significant commitment that impacts your daily comfort and long-term health. Selecting the right foundation for your prosthetic teeth ensures that your bite functions effectively and remains stable for years. The team at Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics in Spokane helps patients understand the specific mechanics and structural support offered by two popular systems.
Think of your face like a really well-built house. It's got a frame, walls, and all sorts of things holding it up, right? Well, your teeth and the jawbone they sit in are kind of like the foundational support system for your face. They're not just there for munching on your favorite snacks or for a nice smile; they actually play a big part in keeping your face looking the way it does.
So, you're looking into ways to fill that gap where a tooth used to be? Makes sense. When you lose a tooth, it's not just about how it looks; it can mess with how you chew and even affect the teeth around it. That's where dental bridges come in. Think of them as a way to "bridge" the space left by missing teeth.
Basically, a bridge involves using the teeth next to the gap as anchors. We put crowns on those anchor teeth, and then a fake tooth (or teeth) is attached to those crowns, filling the empty spot. It's a pretty common fix, and dentists have been using them for ages.
