FAQs about Prosthodontics

A prosthodontist is essentially the “architect” of a dental treatment plan. After completing four years of dental school, they undergo three additional years of intensive, university-based geriatric and restorative residency. They specialize in the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth. This includes everything from crowns and bridges to complex dental implants and highly lifelike dentures.

When properly maintained, the titanium or zirconia post of a dental implant is designed to be a permanent, lifelong solution. While the “crown” (the visible tooth part) may experience normal wear and tear over 10 to 15 years and require replacement, the implant itself fuses with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Factors that influence longevity include your oral hygiene habits, bone density, and whether or not you smoke.

“Better” often depends on the patient’s specific health, bone structure, and budget. However, from a functional standpoint, implants offer several advantages:

• Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the facial collapse that often occurs with long-term denture use.
• Stability: Implants don’t slip or click, allowing you to eat tough or crunchy foods with 100% bite force.
• Convenience: You don’t have to remove implants at night or use messy adhesives.

Dentures remain a valid, cost-effective option for those who may not be candidates for surgery.

Coverage varies significantly between providers. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of “restorative” procedures like crowns or bridges. More complex treatments, such as dental implants, were traditionally considered cosmetic but are increasingly being covered as “major” procedures. At Encino Advanced Dentistry, we recommend a pre-treatment authorization to determine exactly what your plan will contribute.

If you are missing one or more teeth, have severely cracked or worn teeth, or struggle with a “collapsed” bite that makes chewing painful, you likely need a prosthetic. Common signs include:

• Difficulty speaking clearly.
• Shifts in your remaining teeth.
• Changes in your facial structure (sunken cheeks).
• Persistent jaw pain.

Recovery happens in phases. The initial “soft tissue” healing takes about 7 to 14 days, during which you may experience minor swelling. However, the critical “bone healing” phase (osseointegration) takes 3 to 6 months. During this time, the bone grows around the implant. While you wait for this biological process, you are usually fitted with a temporary prosthetic so you never have to go without teeth.

Caring for prosthetics is similar to caring for natural teeth, but with a few nuances.

• Fixed Prosthetics (Crowns/Implants): Brush twice a day and use “super floss” or a water flosser to clean under bridges and around implant abutments.
• Removable Prosthetics (Dentures): Clean them daily with a non-abrasive denture cleaner and soak them overnight to keep the material hydrated.

Regular visits to a prosthodontist are essential to check for “micro-movements” or wear on the hardware.

As with any medical procedure, there are minor risks, including infection at the site, minor nerve damage, or sinus issues (for upper jaw implants). However, in the hands of a specialist like Dr. Alireza Moshaverinia, success rates for procedures like dental implants are exceptionally high—typically over 95 to 98%.

Absolutely. This is a primary focus of the specialty. An improper “occlusion” (how your teeth meet) can cause headaches, cracked teeth, and uneven wear. A prosthodontist can perform a “full-mouth rehabilitation,” using crowns or onlays to realign the jaw and ensure that pressure is distributed evenly across all teeth.

The decision is based on the health of your remaining teeth.

• Partial Dentures: Used when you still have several healthy, strong teeth that can act as “anchors” for the prosthetic.
• Full Dentures: Necessary when all teeth in an arch are missing or are so diseased that they require extraction.
• The “Middle Ground”: Many patients now opt for “implant-supported overdentures,” which use a few implants to “snap” a full denture into place for better stability.

Yes. Because prosthodontists are experts in the relationship between the teeth, the jaw muscles, and the joints, they are uniquely qualified to treat TMJ disorders. Often, TMJ pain is caused by missing teeth or a misaligned bite. By restoring the correct height and position of the teeth, a prosthodontist can relieve the strain on the jaw joint and eliminate chronic pain.

When seeking complex dental care, it is vital to trust a provider with the highest level of training. At Encino Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Alireza Moshaverinia, DDS, MS, PhD, FACP, brings a world-class academic and clinical background to his patients. As a board-certified prosthodontist and a recognized Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, his expertise in dental biomaterials and “biomimetic” restorations ensures that every prosthetic is engineered for both durability and natural beauty. His commitment to precision means your treatment is backed by the latest in digital dental science and a deep understanding of oral anatomy.

Whether you have questions about a single crown or are considering a complete smile transformation, expert guidance is just a call away. Visit Encino Advanced Dentistry for a comprehensive prosthodontic consultation and find the permanent, beautiful solution your smile deserves. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5363 Balboa Blvd, #434 Encino, CA 91316. We serve patients from Encino CA, Tarzana CA, Van Nuys CA, Sherman Oaks CA, Calabasas CA, and surrounding areas.