Prosthodontics in Bismarck, ND

Restoring and beautifying your smile.

What Is Prosthodontics?

The specialist area of dentistry pertaining to the diagnosis, planning, and execution of replacing missing teeth.

Our Bismarck prosthodontist and a male patient

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!

Our prosthodontist D. Sellers explaining a procedure to a male patient

Expert Treatments from Dr. Sellers

Working by your side to improve your health, enhance your smile, and help boost your self esteem.
Bismarck prosthodontist, Dr. Sellers discussing dental implants with a patient
Dental Implants
When you have a missing tooth, dental implants are the most effective way to restore your smile’s function and look. A single implant is made up of three parts: the root, the abutment, and the crown. The root is made of titanium and is designed to mimic your natural tooth’s root. It is surgically placed into your jawbone and gradually fuses with your natural bone. After this happens, the abutment is attached as a base for your new artificial tooth. The new tooth or crown is custom-made to match your smile and is secured onto the implant.

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.

Your prosthodontist performing dental crowns on a Bismarck dental patient
Dental Crowns
Crowns are like caps that cover over your natural tooth to restore its shape, look, and function. They are often needed to strengthen damaged teeth or are used after another restorative procedure like a root canal or dental implant. At the Aesthetic Dental Center, we use porcelain crowns as they match the color of your natural smile and are very durable.

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.

Fixed bridges being placed by our Bismarck prosthodontist
Fixed Bridges
Another prosthodontics service is permanent or fixed bridges. These are used when a patient has a missing tooth. The advantages of bridges include:

  • 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.

Our prosthodontist discussing denture options with a female patient
Dentures

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.

Your prosthodontist in Bismarck ND showing an x-ray of TMJ issues to a patient
TMJ
Your temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. Occasionally, this joint can become inflamed and cause painful symptoms. Common causes include misaligned teeth or bite, genetics, trauma to the jaw, or stress. Millions of Americans experience symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, dizziness, or jaw clicking but are unaware it could be a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

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.

Our prosthodontist is assessing a male patient for sleep apnea
Sleep Apnea

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)

Full Mouth Restoration

Planning, designing, and providing multiple treatments using modern technology.

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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:

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!

Specialist Care in Comfortable Surroundings

Book in your consultation or see our family dental services in Bismarck.