What is Prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty responsible for the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of patients with complex clinical conditions using biocompatible substitutes, including implants, to replace missing or deficient teeth and/or craniofacial tissues. Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).

What is a Prosthodontist?

Prosthodontists are dental specialists trained in the art and science of the restoration and replacement of teeth and supporting structures. After completing four years of dental school, prosthodontist must complete extensive training in an American Dental Association accredited graduate education program.

Issues emphasized include appearance, speech, mastication, and swallowing as well as the physical and biological knowledge required to assure a healthy, stable and comfortable oral health for patients.

As the designer and provider of dental restorative care, a prosthodontist co-ordinates care with general dentists, other specialists, and health care providers to insure a pleasing and functional result suited to each individuals needs.

I am interested in getting implants.
Do you do all the work in your office?

The placement and restoration of implants is a coordinated effort between an oral surgeon and a prosthodontist. Our office works with several oral surgeons and periodontists in the area to help provide the best care for our patients. After a treatment plan is developed for you, Dr. Bernier will work closely with your surgeon to ensure the best result possible.

Do I need a referral to be seen by your office?

We gladly welcome patients that have been referred from other dental practices or new patients that need help with difficult dental problems or cosmetic concerns.

What hours are available?

Treatment is provided by a scheduled appointment during normal business hours except Friday afternoons.

What about emergency care?

All reasonable effort is made to provide emergency care as needed for patients of record. Dr. Bernier applies preventative care to help reduce the potential for emergency care. However, if the need occurs, please call our office for further direction.

Does Dr. Bernier provide painless dentistry?

Every effort is made to provide comfort and reduce or eliminate pain from dental procedures. Local anesthetic and oral sedation medications are available. Pretreatment anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed, if necessary.

Why dental implants?

If you avoid smiling or eating in public because your denture may slip or a space left by a missing tooth may show, dental implants may be an option to you. Dental implants can provide a sense of security and well-being that can't be matched by removable prostheses alone.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial substitute for natural tooth roots. They act as an anchor for a false tooth or a set of false teeth. There are different types of implants. They are placed directly into the bone, and after a healing period usually of 3 to 6 months, they may be used for restorative purposes.

What advantages do implants have?

Stable dental implants and their replacement teeth can enhance the quality of life. Implants can help the patient who has lost teeth and desire a crown or bridge rather than removable replacement. For most patients, their appearance, comfort, speech and ability to chew and enjoy food are greatly improved.

Do these procedures cause any pain?

During the surgical procedures required for implant insertion, the anesthesia given during surgery blocks any pain or discomfort. Postoperatively, medications for pain, swelling and to prevent infections are usually prescribed to ease any discomfort.

Will people know that I have implants?

Not unless you tell them. Implants can be very esthetically restored.

Are there patients who should not have dental implants?

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for an implant procedure. Patients suffering from uncontrolled chronic disease or systemic problems or behaviors and heavy smokers may not be good candidates for implants.

Will my implant teeth work as well as natural teeth?

While nothing works as well as a full set of healthy natural teeth, implants provide the next best thing. Generally, patients are not aware they even have implants after the short healing period. The implant replacement teeth looks, feels, and functions in a manner that allow people to forget they have implants.

Will implants last a life time?

Few things last forever. Every case depends on the individual patient. Generally, the overall health of the patient, the condition of the bone structure remaining in the jaws and regular visits to your dentist are important factors in determining long term success.

How do I know if dental implants are for me?

The only way to determine if implants are right for you is to talk to a dental specialist with the training and experience in which you can have confidence.

Are there any guarantees?

The State of Michigan does not permit any guarantee of health care from providers. We do, however, make every effort to meet the needs of our patients.