Dental Prosthesis

A dental prosthesis is an umbrella term that includes a range of treatments, including bridges, dentures, crowns, veneers, and dental implants. A prosthesis corrects intraoral defects related to missing teeth, damaged teeth, and other structural issues. Some do so by “covering up” the issue while others permanently replace missing structures with synthetic equivalents. Some dental prostheses are removable, such as dentures, while others like dental implants are fixed permanently into the patient’s mouth.

While some are made of metal, often titanium, others are made from zirconia to mimic the patient’s natural teeth. These softer materials allow dental implant surgeons to offer more biocompatible prostheses for those with metal allergies or sensitivity without sacrificing the durability of the appliance.

Permanent dental prostheses are secured in place using dental adhesive or titanium screws, the purpose of which is to rehabilitate chewing, speaking, and smiling on a permanent basis. If you have missing teeth or require a tooth extraction, speak with your provider about the possibility of replacing the tooth with the dental prosthesis that would be best for your situation.