What is Prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). It involves the restoration of missing or misshapen teeth with artificial structures (prostheses), including crowns, bridges and dentures. To become a prosthodontist, a dentist completes an additional three years of advanced training after dental school and is therefore prepared to treat cases of the utmost complexity. The post-dental degree program includes in-depth training in biomedical and biomaterial sciences, bite function, head and neck anatomy, and esthetics. Patients requiring full-mouth rehabilitation or reconstruction as well as those who suffer from conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder and sleep apnea will often see a prosthodontist as part of their treatment. Cosmetic dentistry, while not a specialty in itself, is taken to an advanced level within the specialty of prosthodontics.

Due to the complexity of cases, prosthodontists work closely with their patients in order to help the patients understand the various steps in what can often be fairly lengthy treatment plans. A prosthodontist is often the primary organizer of treatment for patients who are nearly or completely edentulous (lacking teeth), and can be thought of as the “architect” among dental professionals.

Prosthodontists must balance several factors when planning restorative treatment, including functionality, comfort, esthetics and cost. Replacement teeth are designed to look much like natural teeth, and they can sometimes give a patient the best smile of his or her life. There are a number of biocompatible dental materials available for use. They come in a variety of shades to match a patient’s natural tooth color.

You should consider seeing a prosthodontist if you need to replace missing teeth or if your teeth are misshapen and/or crooked and you would like a significant improvement in the appearance and function of your teeth. Broken, discolored and oddly shaped teeth can be restored with crowns, veneers and whitening treatment. If you need dentures or have them already, you will probably want to consult a prosthodontist to make sure it fits your mouth as comfortably as possible.

Dr. Mike Hamid Mirsepasi is the only Prosthodontist in the Issaquah area (including Sammamish, Fall City, North Bend, and Snoqualmie). He completed his Prosthodontics residency at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Mirsepasi’s specialty training allows him to create custom treatment plans. He enjoys educating patients about all of the available options and letting the patient decide which they prefer.