Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics in Huntsville

All About Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry in Huntsville

Millions of people have tooth loss yearly because of heredity, trauma, gum disease, and tooth decay. Shockingly, nearly one in five adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth. As a Master general dentist performing prosthodontic services in Huntsville, Alabama, we specialize in restoring and replacing damaged or missing teeth.

All dentists know that even losing one tooth affects your other teeth, your jaw, and overall health. When you are missing teeth, the neighboring teeth can destabilize, drift into the leftover gaps, and possibly even fall out.

But beyond that, missing teeth can severely impact an individual’s self-confidence, job prospects, love life, and ability to chew correctly.

What is a Prosthodontist?

A Prosthodontist is a dental specialist who replaces missing teeth associated with soft and hard tissues with fixed or removable prostheses. After dental school, prosthodontists receive an additional three years of training to specialize in this field. Prosthodontists, like all dental specialists must, by law, confine their practices to their specialty. For instance, Oral Surgeons, Orthodontists, Endodontists and Prosthodontists would not have a hygienist on their staff that would be able to clean your teeth.

While not a Prosthodontist, Dr. Ingram is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and performs most of all the services offered by a Prosthodontist. William L. Ingram, DMD Prosthodontics in Huntsville, AL, replaces missing teeth thanks to extensive training using state-of-the-art technology and procedures. Masters of the Academy of General Dentistry are highly trained restorative dentists. Always choose a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry when it comes to your smile!

Prosthodontics is one of the branches of dentistry that deals with the replacement of missing teeth. Read below to learn the three basic types of prosthodontics:

Dental Bridges are fixed into the mouth and are an excellent way to replace a few missing teeth that fall in a row. Usually, bridges are fixed in place by attaching them to neighboring healthy teeth. Bridges are often made of precious metals to make them stronger. If the crowns are visible, they are covered with porcelain to match your natural teeth.

Dentures have been around for thousands of years and are easily removable replacements for missing teeth. The crowns are acrylic or porcelain and look much more life-like than ever before. Dentures rely on suction and gum adhesives for support and proper chewing. 

Complete dentures replace all missing teeth, while partial dentures are used when you have some remaining natural teeth. Dentures are very easy to clean because the crowns are attached to a removable structure. You simply pop them out and give them a good scrub.

Dental implants are the only option to replace the roots of lost teeth. Small titanium posts are screwed into the jawbone and fuse to your body. Once fuzed, your dentist can attach a single artificial tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch. They can replace dentures or can be used to stabilize dentures. Dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental crowns – When your dentist can’t solve a tooth problem with dental fillings, crowns are placed over damaged teeth to protect and restore their shape. Dental crowns are made from metals, porcelain, ceramics, and resin. They typically don’t require extra care over time besides good oral hygiene.

Restorative and Prosthodontic Services Offered 

William L. Ingram, DMD, we can correct missing tooth and aesthetic issues. Some of these restorative treatments that he offers include the following products or treatments:

• Dental Implants Placement
• Flippers and Removable Partial Dentures
• Full and Partial Dentures
• Hybrid Prosthesis
• Implant Restoration
• Implant Retained Dentures
• Implant Retained Partials

We recommend not leaving gaps for too long for the best dental health. Give us a call or come in for a consultation, so we can determine which prosthodontics suits you best. We will create an optimal oral health plan uniquely for you. 

William L. Ingram, DMD | Your Place for Prosthodontics in Huntsville

Dr. Ingram is proud to offer several types of restorative dentistry and prosthodontics in Huntsville, Madison, and Athens, AL. Additional training and many years of experience are needed to effectively treat patients with complex cases, which is why many of our patients trust William L. Ingram, DMD.

Prosthodontics has aspects of aesthetic or cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Ingram’s philosophy is to help a patient look better but always within the context of creating and preserving their oral health.