What is the difference between a partial denture and a dental bridge?

 

A partial denture is a dental prosthodontic appliance (artificial tooth or teeth) that can be removed from the mouth and cleaned like conventional dentures.  Partial dentures are often referred to as removable partial dentures or RPD’s.  Partial dentures are one option available to replace missing teeth.  Artificial teeth are added to an acrylic base with metal clasps that hook and fit around existing teeth located on either side of the missing teeth. These clasps help to stabilize the partial denture and hold it in place.

 

A dental bridge, however, is different from a partial denture.  It is another option available to replace missing teeth.  A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic device that is permanently anchored in the mouth and is also referred to as a fixed partial denture.  A dental bridge literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth are missing.  Teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared and capped crowns and then the replacement teeth are attached to those crowns to form a bridge.

 

While conventional fixed dental bridges are highly effective in restoring oral health to the mouth, they do require the natural teeth surrounding the gap to be trimmed down and capped with crowns that will support the bridge.  Implant-supported bridges are an ideal alternative for some patients who have sufficient jawbone density.  Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, where they integrate into the bone and can be used to support the bridge without the need for alteration of natural, healthy teeth.

 

Both partial dentures and dental bridges are options for replacing missing teeth. Every patient is unique.  To learn if you are a good candidate for a partial denture or a dental bridge, with or without dental implants, schedule an initial appointment with Dr. Gulbransen, a trained specialist and Prosthodontist.  After evaluating your mouth, Dr. Gulbransen will advise you of all the options available to you to restore your beautiful smile.

 

 

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Are you interested in learning about alternatives to traditional removable dentures?  If you or someone you know has lost teeth through an accident, disease or decay, dental implants may be an excellent tooth replacement option.  With the advent of predictable cutting-edge dental implant technology, there are many viable treatment options available to patients who previously had no choice but to wear dentures.  Now there are many fixed and removable options which utilize placement of dental implants in the jawbone to replace missing teeth.

Dental implants can be used when:

• All of a patient’s teeth are missing
• Several teeth are missing
• A single tooth is missing

To learn more about dental implants, click here.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?  Every patient is unique. General overall health as well as the health of your mouth are all important factors when considering dental implant placement and restoration.  Additionally, adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support dental implants.

Not only are traditional dentures sometimes difficult to adjust to, but loss of natural teeth causes bone loss and deterioration called resorption.  Placement of dental  implants in the areas where the original teeth were, minimizes this bone resorption.

The first step is to visit our office for a consultation and complete evaluation with Dr. Gulbransen.  Treatment options vary with individual needs.  For information on  your initial appointment, click here.  As a trained dental specialist in prosthodontics, Dr. Gulbransen is well equipped to provide patients with all of their treatment options.  There is no standard, cookie-cutter treatment modality–every patient has their  own individualized treatment planning process.  Successful implant placement involves a coordinated team approach composed of prosthodontic dental specialist Dr. Harold Gulbransen, the oral surgeon or periodontist who surgically places the implants, and the lab technician.  For information on our team approach,view our blog.

Please call or e-mail our office at staff@sdprostho.com with any questions or concerns.  We look forward to having the opportunity to assist you with your prosthodontic needs.

Dr. Harold Gulbransen selected as a Top Dentist in the San Diego area for 2012!

We are proud to announce that Dr. Gulbransen has been selected by a vote of his peers as a Top Prosthodontist in the San Diego area for 2012.  This is the fifth consecutive year that he has been honored with this award.

The San Diego Magazine published this award in the March 2012 edition.  Every dentist values the opinions and respect of his peers.  This is what makes this award so meaningful.  Dr. Gulbransen is honored to have been chosen as a top prosthodontist serving San Diego for the last five years.

Why is it Important to Bring a Complete List of your Medications to your First Dental Appointment?

In order to provide patients with a comprehensive dental evaluation, it is first necessary for your dentist to review your health history. It is very important to bring a list of your current medications as well as a list of medical conditions and allergies that you may have to your first appointment at San Diego Prosthodontics, so that Dr. Gulbransen can determine if it is safe to proceed with treatment.

Many medical conditions complicate oral health and no treatment plan is complete without looking at the "big picture". At times, it may be necessary to modify your treatment based on your overall health. It is important that you include the names and dosages of all of your medications. Some medications and medical conditions directly affect the way oral health care will be delivered. For example, diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints each can affect your overall treatment plan.

While Dr. Gulbransen treats every patient with the same level of respect, he also will treat you as an individual with detailed attention to your specific needs and concerns. A complete list of your medications will help Dr. Gulbransen and his staff provide you with the best care at the highest level of comfort. We know that your dental health is very important. At San Diego Prosthodontics we strive to provide optimal prosthetic dental care for our patients in a relaxed, comfortable and safe environment.

WHAT IS A PROSTHODONTIST—Dental Specialist in Implant Restoration, Full and Partial Dentures, Dental Crowns, Bridges, Dental Implants

Prosthodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Prosthodontists are experts in the restoration of natural teeth or the replacement of missing teeth and adjacent oral and facial tissues with artificial substitutes.

Prosthodontic treatment may include the use of removable partial or full dentures, caps, crowns, bridges, implant anchored restorations, or combinations of the above. For more information, visit our website at http://www.sandiegoprosthodontics.com

After completing 4 years of dental school, prosthodontists receive an additional 2-3 years of intense specialized training in an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited graduate program based either at a hospital or a university. This advanced training includes reviews of the literature, lectures, and treatment of patients. Prosthodontists are also trained in the hands-on technical aspects of laboratory fabrication of complex dental prosthetics and complex restoration of dental and facial esthetics. Prosthodontists have a comprehensive knowledge of dental materials and techniques, insuring both function and esthetics when it comes to your treatment.

At SAN DIEGO PROSTHODONTICS, we have a fully equipped dental laboratory staffed with two full-time dental technicians.

Think of the prosthodontist as the ‘quarterback’ of your dental restorative team. Prosthodontists take a whole-mouth approach to your dental care. They supervise your treatment from your initial consultations to your follow-up care after treatment. It is your prosthodontist who interacts with other dentists, specialists and technicians to coordinate your dental treatment plan.

Whether your care requires single crowns, fillings, veneers, dental bridges, dentures or complex implant restorations, you can be assured that you are receiving state-of-the-art dentistry from your prosthodontist, who is dedicated to the highest standards of care in restoration and replacement of teeth.

Dental Implants are a Team Effort at SAN DIEGO PROSTHODONTICS, Office of Harold J. Gulbransen, DDS

Today, dental implants offer patients with permanent tooth loss an excellent alternative to partial or complete dentures. Dental implants can help patients regain natural smiles, increase their comfort and minimize jawbone deterioration that can occur when natural teeth are lost.

Dental implants combine the best of science and technology, often involving the expertise of several different dental disciplines. Successful implant placement involves a coordinated team approach composed of prosthodontic dental specialist Dr. Harold Gulbransen, the oral surgeon or periodontist who surgically places the implants, and the lab technician.

The team of dental specialists work together to draw up a treatment plan that best meets each individual patient's needs. After an initial comprehensive examination, Dr. Gulbransen consults with other team members to determine if implants are the right solution and what, if any underlying dental issues need to be addressed to insure the success of the implants. Communication among team members ensures that every step of the process goes smoothly and the best possible results are achieved. The teamwork continues long after implant placement. Follow-up examinations with Dr. Gulbransen and other team members are very important.

Dr. Gulbransen, as the prosthodontist, is the 'quarterback' of your dental restorative team. Prosthodontists take a whole-mouth approach to your dental care. They supervise your treatmant from your initial consultations to your follow-up care after treatmant. Dr. Gulbransen will interact with other dentists, specialists and technicians to coordinate your dental treatment plan.

While implants have a very high success rate, implants are not always the best solutions for every dental problem. Prosthodontists are also trained in the hands-on technical aspects of laboratory fabrication of complex dental prosthetics and complex restoration of dental and facial esthetics. Harold J. Gulbransen, DDS, has a comprehensive knowledge of dental materials and techniques, insuring both function and esthetics when it comes to your treatment.

Whether your care requires single crowns, fillings, veneers, dental bridges, dentures or complex implant restorations, you can be assured that you are receiving state-of-the-art dentistry from Dr. Harold Gulbransen and his staff, who are didicated to the highest standards of care in restoration and replacement of teeth.

Sterilization and Disinfection Procedures in our Dental Office

SAN DIEGO PROSTHODONTICS is proud to offer the latest in modern sterilization and disinfection techniques. Vigorous safeguards, exacting cleaning procedures and controlled professional standards are designed to protect the health and welfare of both patients and practitioners.

Some of our patients have questions regarding the protocol followed during disinfection and sterilization of instruments, hand pieces and treatment rooms. You will find our office follows the "universal precautions" as outlined by the American Dental Association and Center of Disease Control.

All instruments are thoroughly pre-cleaned ultrasonically before they are put into a steam autoclave. The steam autoclave uses heated, pressure and vaporized water to sterilize instruments in a closed chamber. Each instrument is then hand dried.

Dental assistants are responsible for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in each operatory. We use disinfection procedures on surfaces and equipment that cannot be removed for cleaning and sterilization, such as counter tops, drawer handles, x-ray unit heads and light handles. A sterile disinfectant cleaning solution, Birex, is used to wipe down all counters, suction hoses, and hand piece connectors before and after each patient. You will also notice that we use disposable barriers on surfaces such as light handles that are touched during treatment.

The use of a closed dental unit water system which operates independently from municipal water supplies prevents mineral deposits from adhering to our instruments and in our water lines. Our dental units are not connected to municipal water supplies. This prevents contamination of the inside of the water lines used in each treatment operatory. We use distilled water in all of our operatories.

We want you to be assured that we are committed to providing you with a safe and healthy environment when you visit our office for dental treatment. The health and safety of our patients is our number one priority.