FAQ

Services that fall under the expertise of a Prosthodontist include:

• Aesthetic Dentistry
• Implant Dentistry
• Crowns and bridges
• Porcelain veneers
• Re-treatment of failing dentistry
• Complete & Partial dentures
• Tooth wear
• Full Mouth Reconstruction

For more information please visit The American Board of Prosthodontists at http://www.prosthodontics.org/abp/

A referral to a Prosthodontist is made when a patient has a difficult or complex problem that requires advanced specialist management. Extensive training and education provides Prosthodontists with the skills for restoring the balance, function and appearance of the mouth as a whole, as well as of course individual teeth.

To clearly identify the nature of a problem, the Prosthodontist will ask about your main concerns but will also gather important background information. You will be asked questions about your previous dental experiences, medical health and lifestyle. Some may seem unrelated to dental problems but in fact provide important clues to underlying causes and assist the Prosthodontist in arriving at a proper diagnosis. Naturally your confidentiality will be totally respected at all times. The initial evaluation usually takes about 45 minutes. More complex cases may required another appointment so that further information can be obtained, for example full mouth x-rays, impressions for study models, and even photographs of your teeth. All this helps the Prosthodontist put together an accurate and complete picture of your mouth. Definitive treatment recommendations will be provided after studying all the information. It’s the best first step towards achieving a lifetime program for dental restoration. The treatment itself, what type and how much, and over what period of time it is done, is always entirely up to you.

Your general dentist has identified that you require specialist care and by doing this has placed your wellbeing first and wants the best for you. Throughout your treatment your dentist will be informed of progress and after it is complete you can return to them for ongoing care, with a program tailored to fit your needs that may include both general and Prosthodontic reviews.

Most people are referred to us by their general dentists. Some require complex rehabilitation of their mouths and others want the ultimate aesthetic result.

Patients from all walks may benefit from specialist dental treatment. If you are uncertain or feel you may require the services of a Prosthodontist, ask your dentist

We will see you without a referral, but if you haven’t had an assessment with a general dentist over the past year, then it is probably best to arrange this first.

If you know that you have a specific problem, want an overview or second option, we are always happy to help.

If you want the best possible results carried out by the most highly trained dentists, then you might choose specialist dental care. Our specialists have additional training in Prosthodontics, Periodontics and Orthodontics meaning that we have more knowledge and experience to successfully carry out the most complex treatments and smaller treatment to exceptional standards.

In some circumstances, your general dentist may refer you to a specialist for a problem that they feel would be best treated by someone with greater training and experience in a specific area of dentistry.

You will always be seen by your specialist at each appointment.

Unfortunately dental reconstructive and implant work can be costly, depending on what is required. The important thing is that the work is appropriate and is based on a good assessment and plan. The cost of the first consultation with us is €150 and we ask that this be settled in full on the day. We can usually give a broad estimate of the cost of treatment at the first appointment but a detailed estimate is usually not possible until after the treatment planning discussion.

• Our practice is focused on providing outstanding treatment to patients with complex problems;
• We deliver high quality dentistry and we don’t settle for mediocre results;
• Our cumulative experience and expertise provides accurate diagnosis and technical delivery that the patient can rely on.

Long-term success depends on multiple factors. First off, success will depend on the quality and quantity of bone. The better the bone and the more available, the greater the chance of long-term success. Secondly, the experience and ability of the dental surgeon will be a factor. As with any surgical procedure, there is no substitute for the experience and individual talent of the dentist. Finally, the quality of the restoration placed on top of the implant will play a big role in long-term success. If the design of the implant crown or over-denture is poorly constructed, and biting forces are not balanced, even the best-placed dental implant will have a compromised survival rate.

Yes. Patients have to be at least 19 years old before we can place implants.

There are some medical factors that might prevent a person from being a good candidate for dental implants. Some of these may be uncontrolled diabetes, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, parathyroid disorders, blood disorders, rare bone disorders or bone marrow cancer. Some physical factors may include insufficient or poor quality bone, low sinuses or nerve bundles.

The success of your implants will depend greatly on how well you maintain them. They will need to be professionally cleaned by a hygienist and examined by your implant dentist every three to four months. The hygienist should be trained in the specific procedure of maintaining dental implants. Also, brushing and flossing daily is absolutely necessary for long-term success.