Prosthodontics in Bismarck, ND
What Is Prosthodontics?
The specialist area of dentistry pertaining to the diagnosis, planning, and execution of replacing missing teeth.
Prosthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that requires a dentist to carry out three years of additional education. The main focus of a prosthodontist is the restoration and replacement of missing teeth so you can enjoy a fully functional and aesthetically beautiful smile. However, this type of specialist is able to treat patients with jaw issues (TMJ) or sleep apnea too.
Many have likened these dentists to architects as they plan what is needed and work with other professionals to help a patient reach their end goal.
Our experienced prosthodontist, Dr. Krysta Sellers, has developed the knowledge and skills to deal with complex cases in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She offers a range of implant options, cosmetic solutions, and services focusing on restoring your smile to full health.
Learn more about prosthodontics here!
Expert Treatments from Dr. Sellers
Dental implants are biocompatible, stable, and long-lasting. They can be cared for as you would your natural teeth and provide a full range of function.
Learn more about dental implants and how they can help your smile.
Many people suffer from broken or cracked teeth and teeth damaged from decay or trauma. A dental crown can protect these weakened teeth while restoring the beauty of your smile. Another use for crowns is when a tooth is missing. These caps can be used on top of dental implants to replace the missing tooth.
The process of receiving a crown requires Dr. Sellers to take an impression of your teeth and then design the crown. The design is sent to a dental lab, where the crown is made. Once returned, our dentist in Bismarck carefully and accurately places the crown, leaving you with a wonderfully restored smile.
- Preventing teeth from drifting
- Restoring the function of your smile
- Supporting your facial muscles
- Replacing a missing tooth
- Matching your current teeth
A dental bridge is made up of two crowns on either side of an artificial tooth. The bridge is custom-made to your smile using a tooth-colored material called porcelain. While the bridge is being made, Dr. Sellers may recommend wearing a temporary bridge. However, once it is completed, the crowns are placed over the adjacent teeth (either side of the gap), which anchor the artificial tooth into place and are cemented for greater stability.
Bridges are a great option for restoring your smile and can be cared for as you would care for your natural teeth. Dr. Sellers and her team will provide some tips on how to maintain your bridge during your visit.
It is an unfortunate truth that as we get older our teeth tend to fail us. Whether it is through genetics or poor hygiene, the majority of people lose some or even all of their teeth. Dr. Sellers is therefore proud to provide a number of denture options to her patients in Bismarck and the surrounding areas.
Partial Dentures: If you have only lost some of your teeth, this option will fill in those gaps and prevent other teeth from shifting.
Full Dentures: When all of your teeth are missing on your upper or lower arch, a full denture can restore your smile.
Implant Dentures: As a prosthodontist, Dr. Sellers also offers implant-retained dentures, which are used when all your teeth are missing from your upper or lower jaw.
When receiving any of our dentures, the process begins with our restorative dentist in Bismarck taking accurate impressions of your mouth. These impressions and measurements are sent to our dental lab where your denture is created. Dr. Sellers takes time with you to ensure the fit is comfortable and allows for you to chew and speak normally.
Our team gives you the instructions you need to care for your new dentures, including how to clean them and when we need to see you for adjustments.
Dr. Sellers has experience treating this condition and has attended advanced training to help her patients. She will first diagnose the cause of TMJ by examining your jaw, teeth, bite, and neck. She always looks at your medical history and takes some panoramic x-rays to get a full understanding of what is causing these problems.
Once we have identified the likely cause, there are a number of treatment options, including:
- Specially molded night guards
- Relaxation techniques
- Medication
- Bite realignment
- Epic X diode laser for pain relief
Our TMJ dentist can only provide her recommendations after a comprehensive exam. She is happy to answer any questions you have and discuss the best option for you. So if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please get in touch.
Many people suffer from sleep apnea and don’t even know it. This serious medical disorder causes sufferers to momentarily stop breathing during their sleep, which occurs when soft tissue or your tongue blocks the airway. This can lead to symptoms such as loud snoring, fatigue, headaches, and insomnia.
Our prosthodontist can help by conducting specific tests to pinpoint the cause of sleep apnea. If sleep apnea is not addressed it can worsen and lead to more severe problems such as various heart conditions.
At Aesthetic Dental Center, we offer sleep apnea appliances to help alleviate this condition. The appliances are worn during the night and help keep the airway clear. If these are not effective, then a surgical option may be explored.
Dr.Sellers and her team are by far the best. If you're looking for a painless and caring dentist, they are the ones that will take care of you..not to mention the mini spa they offer you to make you feel right at home..and the kindness to go with it all. They are great with explaining step by step procedures. I can't wait for my next appointment. They will take very good care of you!
Nicole P. (Actual Patient)
Planning, designing, and providing multiple treatments using modern technology.
What is Full Mouth Restoration?
At times, multiple restorative and cosmetic procedures may be needed to meet your smile goals. You may be suffering from multiple broken, worn, or missing teeth or you may want to make over your smile. When this is the case, Dr. Sellers puts together a full mouth restoration plan and sits down with you to discuss your options. Full mouth restorations tend to involve phases of treatment so you are not overwhelmed and can spread the cost over time.
What Services are Available?
First, Dr. Sellers provides a full mouth exam using modern technology to assess your oral health. Next, she discusses the available options, which may include:
- Veneers
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dental Implants
- Fillings
It is common for a combination of these procedures to be used.
Modern Technology
Throughout your full mouth restoration plan, Dr. Sellers uses innovative technology. During the planning process, she shows you live images of your smile and scans your mouth using an i-CAT machine. Using this 3D software, she plans and designs your new smile and shows you the esthetic outcome. We even offer FREE before and after photos so you can evaluate the progress you have made!