//
A prosthodontist in San Jose offers durable, natural-looking permanent teeth solutions that restore your smile and improve function, helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
When you’re dealing with complex dental issues involving missing, damaged, or severely compromised teeth, finding the right specialist can make all the difference in your oral health and quality of life. A prosthodontist represents the pinnacle of restorative dental expertise, offering advanced solutions that go far beyond what general dentistry can provide.
At Center for Advanced Dentistry San Jose, Dr. Steve Lim brings over 25 years of specialized prosthodontic experience to patients throughout the San Jose area. As a board-certified prosthodontist trained at the prestigious Tufts School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Lim combines surgical expertise with prosthodontic precision to deliver comprehensive restorative solutions. Our state-of-the-art facility offers dental insurance-friendly options and IV sedation for patients with dental anxiety, ensuring comfortable treatment experiences.
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth. After completing dental school, prosthodontists undergo an additional three years of intensive specialized training in prosthetic dentistry, oral rehabilitation, and complex restorative procedures. This advanced education covers anatomy, function, aesthetics, and biocompatibility of dental materials.
The field of prosthodontics encompasses everything from single-tooth restorations to full-mouth rehabilitations. Prosthodontists are uniquely qualified to handle cases involving multiple missing teeth, complex bite problems, temporomandibular joint disorders, and patients requiring comprehensive oral reconstruction.
Unlike many dental specialists, prosthodontists often receive surgical training as part of their education. This dual expertise allows them to both place dental implants and restore them with crowns, bridges, or dentures. This comprehensive approach eliminates the need for referrals between specialists and ensures seamless treatment planning from start to finish.
Prosthodontists offer a wide range of advanced restorative treatments designed to restore both function and aesthetics to damaged or missing teeth. These include the following:
Dental implants represent one of the most significant advances in modern dentistry. Prosthodontists place titanium implants directly into the jawbone, where they integrate with the bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, these implants serve as artificial tooth roots that can support crowns and bridges, or dentures.
Single implants can replace individual missing teeth, while multiple implants can support bridge work or secure removable dentures. The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.
For patients missing most or all of their teeth, All-on-4 treatment offers a revolutionary solution. This technique uses just four strategically placed dental implants to support a complete arch of replacement teeth. The procedure can often be completed in a single day, allowing patients to leave with a functional set of teeth. All-on-4 eliminates the need for individual implants for each missing tooth, reducing treatment time and cost while providing excellent stability and chewing function.
When teeth are severely damaged by decay, trauma, or wear, crowns can restore their strength, function, and appearance. Prosthodontists create custom crowns using advanced materials like porcelain, zirconia, or gold alloys, depending on the specific needs of each case.
Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by connecting crowns to adjacent teeth or implants. Modern bridge work can be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth when crafted by a skilled prosthodontist.
While dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement, traditional dentures remain an important treatment option for many patients. Prosthodontists create custom dentures that fit precisely and function comfortably. Partial dentures can replace several missing teeth while preserving remaining healthy teeth. Modern denture materials and techniques have greatly improved the fit, comfort, and appearance of removable prosthetics compared to older generations of dentures.
Several situations warrant consultation with a prosthodontist rather than general dental treatment. These situations are as follows:
If you have multiple missing teeth, failed previous dental work, or complex bite problems, a prosthodontist can provide solutions that may not be available through general dentistry. Prosthodontists regularly handle cases that other dentists refer to due to their complexity.
Patients with extensive dental problems affecting multiple teeth often benefit from comprehensive treatment planning. Prosthodontists can coordinate complex cases involving implants, crowns, bridges, and other restorative procedures to achieve optimal results.
When dental work fails or doesn’t meet expectations, prosthodontists can often salvage situations that might seem hopeless. Their advanced training allows them to address complications and provide alternative solutions.
Temporomandibular joint disorders and bite problems require a specialized understanding of jaw mechanics and occlusion. Prosthodontists receive extensive training in these areas and can provide both diagnosis and treatment for complex bite-related issues.
Selecting a prosthodontist requires careful consideration of credentials, experience, and treatment philosophy.
Look for prosthodontists who are board-certified and have completed accredited residency programs. Advanced training at respected institutions ensures practitioners have received a comprehensive education in the latest techniques and materials.
Modern prosthodontic treatment relies heavily on advanced technology. State-of-the-art facilities with digital imaging, CAD/CAM technology, and surgical suites can provide more precise treatment and better outcomes.
The best prosthodontists take a comprehensive approach to treatment, considering not just individual teeth but the entire oral system. This includes evaluating bite relationships, jaw function, and aesthetic goals to create treatment plans that address all aspects of oral health.
If you’re experiencing complex dental problems or have been told you need extensive restorative work, Dr. Steve Lim can provide the specialized care you need. As a board-certified prosthodontist with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Lim offers comprehensive solutions for even the most challenging cases. Our state-of-the-art facility provides advanced prosthodontic care with IV sedation available for anxious patients. We work with many dental insurance plans to make treatment accessible and affordable.
Don’t let complex dental problems compromise your quality of life. Contact us at (408) 684-5567 or schedule a consultation to discuss your prosthodontic treatment options.
Our office is strategically positioned in San Jose, CA, along North Bascom Avenue, offering easy connectivity to major transportation routes and centrally accessible from neighboring communities. The suite is housed within a professional complex with convenient parking options and straightforward building navigation for visitors.
