What Is Prosthodontics?

Only about 2% of all dentists in the United States are prosthodontists. They specialize in treating jaw disorders and restoring patients’ oral health by replacing missing, damaged, or decayed teeth.
After dental school, prosthodontists complete an additional three-year residency at a university or hospital, which provides intensive training in complex oral rehabilitation. As a result, they’re prepared to treat patients with the most complicated oral health problems.

Why See A Prosthodontist?

Prosthodontic treatment is often comprehensive in nature, taking into consideration the condition of the entire mouth rather than focusing on one or several teeth. The patient’s general dentist or other specialists are typically involved in the treatment as well.

The scope of the specialty includes dental implants, cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, TMJ disorders, occlusion (bite), and comprehensive multi-specialty planning.

Some prosthodontists practice in a similar manner to a general dentist, employing dental hygienists and serving as the patient’s primary dental provider. Drs. Oettinger and Allen limit their practice to prosthodontics and work with their patients to accomplish their specific treatment, usually by referral from the patient’s general dentist.

The scope of the specialty is broad and includes treatments such as:

What we offer

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants allow for replacement teeth to be mounted onto metal posts or frames that are positioned into the jawbone. These implants provide support for artificial teeth including, dentures, bridges, and crowns.

CONE BEAM CT

This 3D technology provides extremely accurate imaging of the jaws and teeth at a fraction of the radiation dose used for medical CT scanning, as well as a fraction of the cost.

FIXED PROSTHODONTICS

Permanent dental prostheses include bridges, inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers. Fixed prostheses are used to restore a single tooth or multiple teeth, improving their strength and appearance.

TMD

TMD, or Temporomandibular Disorders, are issues that can affect your jaw joint, also known as TMJ, as well as impact the muscles in your face that help you chew. There are various types of TMD that can cause pain, headaches, and more severe issues.

OCCLUSION

Occlusion is how the teeth of the lower jaw fit together with the corresponding teeth of the upper jaw when the jaws are closed. If the alignment of your bite is off, problems with the facial muscles, jaw joints, or teeth can occur.

REMOVABLE PROSTHODONTICS

Removable prosthesis includes the replacement of missing teeth with a removable prosthesis. Removable prosthesis, which can be a removable partial denture or complete denture to replace some or all of your teeth..

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

We all want a beautiful, bright, white smile. At Sandhills Dental Rehabilitation Center, we will address your smile, take steps to enhance it, and develop a plan to make a positive change to your teeth and overall smile that will give you the confidence boost you've always wanted.

IN-OFFICE LAB

At most dental offices, the blueprints or impressions taken for your restorations are sent to a laboratory outside the office to be crafted. But at Sandhills Dental Rehabilitation Center, we have an in-office laboratory allowing us to create most types of removable prosthodontics in our office.

Only about 2% of all dentists in the United States are prosthodontists. They specialize in treating jaw disorders and restoring patients’ oral health by replacing missing, damaged, or decayed teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dentists mostly focus on preventive treatments while prosthodontists focus on restoring your oral health with the use of dental prostheses. Prosthodontists have to complete an additional three years of specialized training that focuses on treating damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. They’re also highly skilled in treating occlusion issues and TMD.

If enough jawbone is present, you can potentially get the dental implant the same day. However, we may ask you to wait 3 to 6 months after an extraction for a dental implant to be placed. This allows time for the area to fully heal.

Dental implants are considered a cosmetic procedure with some restorative purposes as well. In some cases, providers will cover up to half of the costs. You’ll want to check with your provider prior to your appointment for a better understanding of your specific coverage. If you have any questions that we can answer, don’t hesitate to contact our office by calling (910) 692-4051 and we’ll get back to you immediately.

With proper care and biannual visits to our Southern Pines office, porcelain veneers can still look great after 20 years. To maximize your results, we recommend avoiding foods that can stain, chip, or discolor the veneers. You’ll also want to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse between meals. Regular visits to Sandhills Dental Rehabilitation Center, in addition to an excellent oral hygiene routine, will ensure your veneers, gums, and natural teeth are in the best of health and improve the longevity of your stunning smile.

Contact Us To Learn More

At Sandhills Dental Rehabilitation Center, we’re dedicated to keeping up with the latest dental technology. We adapt our practice with updated technology and information to make your dental visit easier as well as provide more accurate treatment.