Reconstructive Dentistry in Redding
Reconstructive Dentistry involves the complete restoration of a dentition using crowns, veneers, bridges and implants. This is the essence of prosthodontics and is a complex dental bioengineering project requiring meticulous planning and execution of treatment. All restorations must be fabricated as one-set and delivered as one-set at the one appointment. This is the only way in which the laboratory technician and the prosthodontist can make the changes to the contour, position, levels and occlusion (bite) and ensure optimum aesthetics and function. Delivering 32 restorations in sets of four to six units at separate appointments does not constitute an oral reconstruction and will significantly compromise the end result with no actual cost saving to the patient..
Prosthodontist in Redding
Prosthodontists spend three or more years in postgraduate training learning to diagnose, treatment plan, fabricate laboratory work and execute treatment for reconstructive dentistry. The prosthodontist is considered the quarterback of the team often working with other dental specialists. In ideal situations the prosthodontist should surgically place and restore dental implants. This will increase the prognosis for success and remove the problems associated with treatment being administered by two different specialists and their respective responsibilities.
Medical Billing for Dentistry
Patients with medical insurance requiring an oral reconstruction or extensive dental treatment may be eligible for benefits payable by their medical insurance for a portion of the treatment provided that it is an PPO or AARP Medicare Advantage (HMO)
Art & Digital Dental Technology
A significant amount of a prosthodontist’s training is spent learning dental technology. This involves physically making the crowns, veneers, bridges, implant restorations, TMD splints, complete and partial dentures for his or her patient. In the last ten years there have been major advances in the development of digital technology in prosthodontics. More than ever this calls for a greater understanding and hands-on skill in dental prosthetics, which is the domain of the prosthodontist, known as the bio-engineer of the dental profession. With CAD/CAM the computer is controlled by a person.
A major benefit for the patient is that the prosthodontist can fabricate and repair many provisional, interim and permanent restorations and prostheses in the practice rather that having to send it back to the dental laboratory and a rescheduled appointment. Great skill is required to achieve an aesthetic, durable and functional result.
This is particularly important when delivering immediate dentures, “teeth-in-a-day” type implant prostheses or dealing with acute dental trauma cases.
Re-Treatment of Previously Restored Dentitions
Most of the patients referred to Dr. Wright by general dentists and other specialists are re-treatment cases. Patients whom have undergone a comprehensive course of restorative dental treatment in their twenties following trauma, disease or neglect will require re-treatment in their forties and again in their sixties. Twenty years is about as long as the best dentistry will last. The success of re-treatment is largely dependent upon how well the first course of treatment was performed. Patient care and neglect affect the performance of the treatment. Regular maintenance is extremely important. Good dentistry takes time. Poorly prepared teeth or placed implants often cannot be re-treated and are lost.
Typical Reconstructive Dentistry Cases
- Large or complex cosmetic dentistry cases
- Severe trauma cases
- Badly broken down or heavily restored dentition
- Multiple missing teeth from disease, trauma or genetics
- Badly worn dentition (short teeth, grinding habit)
- Chemical erosion (bulimia, citrus fruits, sodas, drugs, swimming pools, gastro-oesophageal acid reflux)
- TMJ dysfunction with malocclusion
- Oral facial pain
- Retreatment of previously restored dentition
- Retreatment of recently unsatisfactorily restored dentition
- Implant reconstruction of edentulous patients (no teeth)
- Hereditary and acquired defects e.g. cleft palate, oral cancer
Dr. Wright is fully qualified with 20 years of clinical prosthodontics experience treating the above cases and more. Dr. Wright provides specialist prosthodontics services for Redding, Shasta and the neighbouring counties of Tehama; Siskiyou; Trinity; Modoc; Lassen; Plumas and Glenn.
Learn more about Treatment of Tooth Surface Loss »
Learn more about Dental Implants »
Ask the Doctor
Dr. Wright provides specialist prosthodontics services for Redding, Palo Cedro, Shingletown, Cottonwood, Anderson, Red Bluff, Shasta and neighbouring counties.
Should you have a question about prosthodontics treatment for yourself or family member, feel free to send Dr. Wright an email. He will be happy to respond within 48 hours.
