Prosthodontists are dental specialists in the restoration and replacement of teeth and related structures.

Prosthodontics, also known as prosthetic dentistry, is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). It is the 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. After general dental school, extensive training for three years with clinical experience, research and testing in an accredited ADA graduate program provide prosthodontists with a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth and the creation of tooth replacements.

Who Needs a Prosthodontist?
Any person with complex, extensive or unusual dental/oral restorative prosthetic needs should see a prosthodontist for consultation before proceeding with treatment. Many patients are middle-age adults or older with years of accumulated dentistry and wear and tear on their teeth. Some patients are very young or very old with special needs related to specific conditions. So men, women and children can be in need of a prosthodontist's skill and care. General dentists are very important in routine dental care and provide an important service with all phases of general dental care.

How can I improve my smile?
What do I do with a tooth after it has had a root canal?
Do you need a tooth saved using a root canal, post and core and a crown or would it be better to take the tooth out and place a dental implant and a crown?
Will a four-tooth bridge work in this situation?
Should you consider a partial denture or some implants?

Are your dentures causing the joint pains or is the joint having secondary arthritic problems?
These are some of the types of issues that a prosthodontic specialist like Dr. Pickle is trained to routinely deal with and treat. Sometimes a general dentist diagnoses or identifies a situation that needs more expertise in evaluation and treatment and the patient is referred to the appropriate specialist. A prosthetic referral is usually needed first for a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Pickle serves as the "architect" of a dental treatment plan and collaborates with general dentists, dental specialists and other physicians or health professionals to develop and implement solutions for your dental and oral health concerns.

Dr. Pickle is trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating many diverse and complex dental conditions and restoring optimum function and esthetics. He provides all phases of dental restorations and prostheses beginning with comprehensive advanced diagnosis and treatment planning. He may utilize cosmetic bleaching or bonding.