Centre dentaire Pédiatrique & prosthodontique de Montréal

Prosthodontics
by specialized dentists

Available at our Westmount and St-Denis clinics.

At the C.D.P.P.M., prosthodontic care is provided by Drs Tuan Dinh, prosthodontist. These services include specialised oral and cosmetic restorative care with:

  • Dental implants
  • Crowns, bridges and porcelain veneers
  • Complete and partial dentures

 

 

The Prosthodontist

  • What is a prosthodontist?
  • The prosthodontist's expertise

A prosthodontist is a specialist in the field of Prosthodontics, one of nine dental specialties recognized by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Prosthodontics is that branch of dentistry involved with cosmetic and oral restoration with the means of artificial substitutes (for example dental implants, crowns and bridges, veneers). Prosthodontists, in addition to their basic dental education, have to successfully complete a rigorous advanced postdoctoral program accredited by the CDA. This in-depth additional education provides prosthodontists not only with enhanced knowledge and skills but also enables them to interact with researchers as well as with clinical experts in different dental and medical fields. Effective communication with a team of experts provides prosthodontists with a broad insight in diagnosing and solving oral health problems.

In our modern society, oral deterioration and loss of teeth are often the consequences of dental cavities and gum disease. Other causes could include oral cancer, trauma and behavioral conditions such as teeth grinding. Hence, it can leave a patient with impaired esthetics, compromised chewing function, psychological discomfort and negatively affect quality of life. The role of the prosthodontist in patient care is best described as being the “oral architect”. A prosthodontist develops treatment plans and synchronises treatment sequences with other specialists in order to provide the most comprehensive care. The prosthodontist specialises in restoring patients’ esthetics and comfort with dental implants, crowns and bridges, porcelain veneers, partial and complete dentures.

Prosthodontic care

  • Dental implants
  • Crowns, bridges and porcelain veneers
  • Complete and partial dentures

Dental implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. They are surgically implanted in the jaw to replace natural teeth roots and serve as anchors for crowns, bridges or complete dentures. Once in place, they progressively fuse to the bone by a process known as osseointegration (P.-I. Branemark). The healing period varies depending on such factors as bone quality, the technique used and the type of restoration needed. Getting an implant is usually considered minor surgery. Most patients who have had it say their post-operative experience was similar to recuperating from the extraction of a tooth. A detailed examination is an essential prerequisite. The prosthodontist and the periodontist/oral surgeon will examine your mouth to determine whether you are a candidate for an implant-supported prosthesis. They will also conduct a detailed examination of your bone structure, using x-rays or other techniques such as CT scans. If there is not enough bone mass to hold the implant securely, a bone graft may be recommended. The surgical phase is usually performed by the periodontist or the oral surgeon, two dental specialists collaborating with the prosthodontist. The prosthodontist is responsible for the fabrication and insertion of the restorations on your implants. Once your final restorations are in place, they must be checked regularly. You should visit your prosthodontist at least once a year.

 

Main contra-indications

 

Implants are usually not recommended if:
you have specific health problems, such as uncontrolled diabetes
the anatomy of your jaws makes it impossible to build an implant-supported restoration with a crown or prosthesis
there is not enough bone to accommodate the implants and a bone graft is impossible
In addition, implants are not recommended for children and adolescents, as they are still growing.

 

Different types of implant-supported prostheses

 

Crown: the crown is screwed or cemented to the implant.
Partial or complete fixed dentures: the implants take the place of the roots of the teeth; a partial denture may be screwed in or cemented, while a complete denture is screwed in.
Partial or complete removable denture: the denture is attached to a bar that is screwed onto the implants.

Crowns, bridges and porcelain veneers

Crowns

 

A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth. A crown is needed when a large cavity, severe wear or other traumatic injury threatens the ongoing health of the tooth. The crown protects the underlying tooth from future aggressions. Crowns are usually used to improve the strength and appearance of teeth.

 

Fixed bridge

 

The fixed bridge replaces one or multiple missing teeth. This type of bridge is attached permanently to the adjacent teeth using a metal retainer resembling a dental crown.

 

Maryland bridge

 

The Maryland bridge replaces one or two missing teeth. This type of bridge is supported by metal bands cemented to the adjacent natural teeth.

 

Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are very thin shells cemented to the visible surface of the tooth. It normally requires three to four visits to complete this kind of restoration. The prosthodontist removes a thin layer of enamel from the teeth to be treated, and then makes a mould of your teeth and sends it to a dental laboratory to have customized veneers made. The porcelain veneers are cemented to your teeth using a resin cement. Veneers are generally used to:

  • improve one’s appearance, for instance by filling a gap between two teeth
  • match up teeth that are slightly out of alignment
  • correct the shape or colour of teeth

 

Complete and partial dentures

Removable partial denture

 

This prosthesis is used to replace one or multiple missing teeth. It is made of acrylic on a metal base, and attached to the adjacent natural teeth with clasps to hold it in place.

 

Removable complete denture

 

Complete dentures replace all the teeth on the upper or lower jaw. They cover the residual gums and, for upper dentures, also the roof of the mouth. They consist of artificial teeth held in an acrylic retainer, which sits on top of the gums. They are held in place by suction, with the oral mucosa providing the seal. Complete dentures are a last resort.