Dental implants may be used to replace one, many or all of a patientвЂ™s teeth. These fixtures are placed into the jawbone and allowed to heal until they are 'integrated' into the bone.

TodayвЂ™s dental implants are typically made of titanium and may be parallel-sided or tapered and may or may not have threads. Crowns are indicated for teeth with very large fillings, teeth that have had a root canal, fractured teeth and misshapen and/or discolored teeth. Crowns may be made as all metal, porcelain fused to metal or all-ceramic (porcelain). Other patients exhibit teeth with poorly developed tooth structure throughout the mouth and require a prosthodontistвЂ™s expertise in restoring these teeth to proper form and function.Д¬rowns cover or 'cap' a tooth to restore the normal function and appearance of the tooth.

A prosthodontist can determine the best way to replace and/or restore these teeth. Many patients are missing certain teeth because the teeth never developed or may be misshapen. A prosthodontist possesses the skills necessary to fabricate an obturator that will improve the patient's speech and swallowing.Д¬ongenital and Developmental Mouth Defects Although most cleft palates are now successfully closed surgically, there are patients who require an obturator to close the palatal defect, whether it is congenital or acquired. Many cleft lip and palate patients exhibit missing teeth in the area of the cleft and would benefit from a prosthodontistвЂ™s care in the management of these areas. The patient cannot remove the bridge, and special aids are available to keep it clean. Then a false tooth is joined to the crowns, and the entire structure is cemented to the prepared teeth. To replace a missing tooth with a bridge, at least one tooth on either side of the space created by the missing tooth must be prepared for a crown. Traditional methods to replace a missing tooth or teeth include the fabrication of a bridge.

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