Prosthodontics

Our Services

Prosthodontics

The saying ‘there’s more than one way to skin a cat’ could not be more appropriate for your prosthodontic solutions. More often than not a number of treatment modalities will be used simultaneously to achieve your desired outcome.

Prosthodontists specialise in managing complex restorative cases involving extensive tooth damage, congenital defects, traumatic injuries, and cases requiring a high aesthetic outcome.

3D smile design simulations are used to help visualise the probable outcome prior to you committing to any treatment. All designs and plans are customised to each patient’s needs and preferences. There are several treatment modalities and materials that can be used depending on what will provide the most predictable and aesthetic result.

Here at Southwest Dental Specialist Centre we can provide the following prosthodontic treatments:

Full Mouth Rehabilitations

  • →   Correction of a worn dentition
  • →   Correction of aesthetic issues
  • →   Correction of occlusal (bite) issues
  • →   Correction of congenitally deformed teeth
  • →   Correction of defects caused by oral cancer

 

Replacement of Single or Multiple Missing Teeth

  • → Teeth lost through dental disease (dental decay and gum disease)
  • → Congenitally missing teeth
  • → Teeth lost through trauma
  • → Teeth lost through resorption
Specialist Dental Services

Our Dental Specialty Services

When you choose Southwest Dental Specialist Centre, you get access to the knowledge and expertise of some of Mandurah’s top dental specialists. Our services Include:

Crowns

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A dental crown, is a prosthetic restoration that completely encases or covers a damaged, decayed, discoloured or weakened tooth. It is custom-made to match the shape, size, and colour of the natural tooth and is cemented into place to restore its strength, function, and appearance. Dental crowns serve several purposes, including protecting a weakened tooth from further damage or fracture, restoring the shape and size of a tooth that has been extensively decayed or damaged, improving the appearance of a misshapen or discoloured tooth, and serving as an anchor for dental bridges or covering a dental implant. Overall, dental crowns provide durable and aesthetically pleasing solutions to preserve and enhance the health and appearance of teeth in need of restoration.

Bridges

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A bridge is a dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are anchored to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap, called abutments. Bridges are custom-made to match the shape, size, and colour of the natural teeth and are permanently cemented into place. By filling in the empty space left by missing teeth, bridges also help prevent shifting of adjacent and opposing teeth, which can help maintain their proper alignment.

Fillings

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A dental filling is a restorative material used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by dental decay or trauma. A lot of people have had the experience where a tooth with a crown failed long before they expected it to. This is usually because the crown was placed on a tooth with an inappropriate amount of tooth structure left. To ensure that a crown is placed on healthy tooth with a good prognosis, the existing filling or restoration usually needs to be removed. This way we can ensure that there will be no dental decay underneath the crown before we even start and can determine if there is enough tooth structure to ensure the longevity of the crown.

Onlays

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An onlay, also known as a partial crown, is a type of dental restoration that is used to repair a tooth that has moderate to extensive damage or decay, particularly when the damage extends beyond what a traditional dental filling can effectively restore. Unlike dental fillings, which are directly placed into a cavity, an onlay is fabricated outside of the mouth and then bonded onto the tooth surface to cover and protect the damaged area. The purpose of an onlay is to conserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while restoring the tooth’s strength, function, and appearance. Onlays are custom-made to match the shape, size, and colour of the natural tooth, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for preserving and enhancing the integrity of the tooth.

Veneers

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A veneer is a thin shell of tooth-coloured material, usually made of porcelain or composite resin (white filling material), that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to match the shape, size, and colour of the natural teeth and are used to address a variety of cosmetic concerns, such as stains, discoloration, chipped or cracked teeth, uneven spacing or alignment, and worn enamel. Composite resin veneers usually require less tooth structure removal and can be completed in one day. The purpose of veneers is to enhance the aesthetics of the smile by creating a more uniform, symmetrical, and attractive appearance while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.

Implants and Tissue Augmentation

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A dental implant is a titanium post or screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. An implant requires a certain amount of bone width and height to ensure its successful integration into the bone. If there is not enough bone available, augmentation procedures can be performed to increase the amount of bone available. In addition to replacing single missing teeth, implants can be used to replace multiple missing teeth and to aid the retention of dentures. Implant treatment is highly complex and should be undertaken by experienced clinicians.

Bleaching: Internal vs External

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Vital or external bleaching, also known as teeth whitening, is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to lighten the shade of the teeth and remove stains and discolouration. This non-invasive treatment involves the application of a bleaching agent, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to the surface of the teeth. The purpose of dental bleaching is to enhance the appearance of the smile by achieving a brighter, whiter tooth colour, thus improving confidence and self-esteem. We recommend seeing a dentist for a professional clean prior to starting an at-home bleaching regime. Dental bleaching is a safe and effective way to achieve a more youthful and radiant smile, often resulting in a significant improvement in dental aesthetics with minimal discomfort or downtime.

Internal bleaching or non-vital bleaching is a dental procedure used to lighten the colour of a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment and has become discoloured from within. During internal bleaching, the dentist accesses the pulp chamber of the tooth through a small opening and applies a bleaching agent directly to the discoloured area. The purpose of internal bleaching is to remove intrinsic stains and restore the tooth’s natural appearance without altering its structure or integrity. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients with discoloured teeth following root canal therapy, allowing them to achieve a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Dentures

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A denture is a removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Depending on the type of denture and the state of the patient’s dental tissues, dentures can be made of a metal or an acrylic base. Dentures are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth and are held in place either by suction, dental adhesive, or dental implants. The purpose of a denture is to restore oral function, aesthetics, and confidence for individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth due to factors such as decay, gum disease, trauma, or aging. Overall, both complete and partial dentures offer a minimally invasive solution for replacing missing teeth and improving overall oral health and quality of life.

Other Services Provided

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Reconstruction following dento-facial trauma/cancer resection (prosthetic reconstruction of eyes, ears, nose and larger defects, and jaws)
Orofacial pain diagnosis and treatment
Sleep and snoring disorder appliances
Book Appointment
Call (08) 9581 2111
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a registered dental specialist who focuses on the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth. They undergo an additional 3 year doctorate degree beyond dental their original dental degree to specialise in the treatment planning and management of complex restorative procedures. These can include, but are not limited to, crowns, veneers, implants, and dentures.
How do I know if I’m seeing a registered specialist?
All specialists in Australia have specialist dental registration. To see if your current practitioner is a registered specialist you can access the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website (www.ahpra.gov.au) and enter the provider’s name in the search function. A list of registered prosthodontists is also available on the Academy of Australian & New Zealand Prosthodontists website (www.aanzp.com.au).
Why should I see a prosthodontist?

Most dental treatment is considered ‘invasive’. This means there is no ability to reverse the treatment and have the tooth revert to its original form. Once a tooth has been drilled into it will need a lifetime of maintenance which becomes an ongoing cost to the patient and can significantly impact the longevity of the tooth. Prosthodontists are experts in treatment planning and tooth prognosis which means that you are unlikely to waste valuable financial resources on treatments that may ultimately fail. While general dentists can perform basic restorative treatments like fillings and simple crowns, prosthodontists are trained to handle more challenging cases involving multiple missing teeth, extensive tooth damage, or complex occlusion (bite) issues.

What are prosthodontists skilled in?
  • Comprehensive Treatment Planning: They assess each patient’s unique dental needs and develop customized treatment plans to restore oral function and aesthetics.
  • Advanced Restorative Techniques: Prosthodontists utilise state-of-the-art materials and techniques to create durable, natural-looking dental restorations that mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth.
  • Implant Dentistry: Prosthodontists are experts in dental implant planning and restoration, offering solutions for patients with missing teeth to regain full dental function and aesthetics.
  • Complex Prosthetic Rehabilitation: They specialise in restoring smiles affected by congenital defects, traumatic injuries, or conditions such as dental decay, wear or gum disease.
  • Collaboration with Specialists: Prosthodontists often collaborate with other dental specialists, such as maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, endodontists and orthodontists, to provide comprehensive care for patients requiring multidisciplinary treatment.

In summary, while general dentists focus on overall oral health maintenance and perform basic restorative procedures, prosthodontists specialize in complex dental restorations and replacements to improve both the function and appearance of the smile.