- What is prosthodontics?
- What is a prosthodontist?
- How will the practice work with my general dentist?
- Do I have to be referred to make an appointment at your office?
- What will happen on my first visit?
- What are the most common prosthodontic procedures?
- Why can’t all of my dental implant work be completed at one office?
- What causes tooth discoloration?
- What kinds of stains respond best to whitening?
- Is cosmetic dentistry expensive?
What is prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry which deals with the diagnosis, treatment planning, and restoration of missing or damaged teeth. It involves such restorations as: crowns, bridges, partial dentures, full dentures and dental implants. Prosthodontists also treat complex oral situations such as jaw joint problems, traumatic mouth injuries, and oral reconstruction.
What is a prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has received three additional years of prosthodontic training after completing dental school. A prosthodontist is a specialist in helping to improve your dental esthetics and function. For more information, please visit the What is a Prosthodontist? page.
How does your practice work with my general dentist?
Your general dentist knows your entire dental history, your current dental situation, and your future dental needs. He is in charge of your overall dental care. As prosthodontic specialists, your general dentist may refer you to our office for a particular aspect of your dental treatment. We then work within their guidelines to ensure your needs are met.
Do I have to be referred to make an appointment at your office?
We welcome any patient with dental problems or aesthetic concerns to make an appointment with us directly. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (610) 565-7222.
What will happen on my first visit?
We will first review your dental and medical history. If needed, we will take a set of x-rays. Then one of our hygienists will provide an initial teeth cleaning. We are pleased to have two exceptional hygienists on staff - Kristen who joined us in 1995 and Megan who has been with us since 2002.
Following your cleaning, Dr. Gentile will provide a thorough oral examination and discuss his findings and your options for treatment.
What are the most common prosthodontic procedures?
Prosthodontists restore damaged or missing teeth using crowns, bridges, partials, dentures and dental implants. They are also specialists in the improvement of dental esthetics through veneers, cosmetic crowns, bonding, and whitening procedures.
Dr. Gentile has extensive experience in dealing with the most challenging dental problems.
Why can’t all of my dental implant work be completed at one office?
In many cases, the placement and restoration of dental implants should be a coordinated effort between a dental surgeon and a prosthodontist. In certain situations, implants are best placed by a placement specialist, a dental surgeon. We will then restore them for ideal appearance and function.
What causes tooth discoloration?
Tooth enamel can discolor as a result of staining, aging, or chemical damage. Common culprits are coffee, tea, soda, certain medications and smoking. Oral bacteria, damage to the tooth root, or genetics may also play a part in the amount and severity of your discoloration.
What kinds of stains respond best to whitening?
Teeth darkened by aging tend to respond best and most evenly to whitening procedures. Stains caused by diet and smoking are case dependent, but any amount of whitening increases the brightness and beauty of your smile.
Is cosmetic dentistry expensive?
Successful cosmetic dentistry requires high quality materials and the expertise and attentiveness that only an experienced and highly trained practitioner can provide. However, this cost is rarely more than the long term costs of “bargain dentistry” alternatives.
