I have oligodontia and am missing 9 adult teeth. When I was a child, my parent could not afford the dental care that I needed. Now that I have my own job and dental insurance I am going to get the work I need done in phases. That’s what I can afford. I don’t have a lot of experience with dentists because as I mentioned, we couldn’t afford dental care when I was young. Is the tooth replacement something that a general dentist can do? I found information about prosthodontists, then I found your website. Thanks. Rob G.
Rob – Prosthodontists have received post-graduate training to specialize in the replacement and restoration of missing teeth. Oligodontia, the term for congenitally missing six or more adult teeth, can be very effectively treated by a specialist who has been trained in tooth restoration. When five or fewer teeth are missing, the condition is referred to as hypodontia.
In addition to missing teeth, people who have this condition often have small teeth, their jawbone may be smaller than normal, and permanent teeth may erupt late. Most general dentists have limited, if any, training in this area.
When hypodontia or oligodontia is detected at an early age, as the parents’ budget permits, planning begins early. Dental implants are placed after jawbone grown is complete, in the late teen years.
The placement of your dental implants requires a thorough examination, careful planning, and possible bone grafting to support dental implants. An experienced prosthodontist will beautifully restore your teeth. The prosthodontist will openly communicate with your general dentist and keep him or her informed of the treatment plan and your progress.
This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
