Frequently Asked Questions

A prosthodontist is a dentist who:

Additional training for prosthodontists is earned through a hospital- or university-based program accredited by the American Dental Association. The training includes reviews of the literature, lectures, treatment of patients and laboratory experience in fabricating dental restorations.

 

Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Graduate programs in prosthodontics include classroom lectures and seminars, laboratory and clinical training in esthetics/cosmetics, crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, complete and removable partial dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures, congenital or birth anomalies to teeth, snoring, sleep disorders, and oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care. Prosthodontists are masters of complete oral rehabilitation.

A prosthodontist is dedicated to the highest standards of care in the restoration and replacement of teeth.

Prosthodontists are the experts in the dental rehabilitation and have mastered many procedures including: crowns, caps, bridges, veneers, removable partial dentures, dentures and dental implants.

Specialized training provides prosthodontists with a unique understanding of the dynamics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth, and the creation of tooth replacements. Serving as the "architect" of a dental treatment plan, prosthodontists collaborate with general dentists, specialists and other health care professionals to develop solutions to your dental concerns.

As our population ages, the role of the Prosthodontist becomes critical in maintaining a high standard of dental care. Prosthodontists are trained to do the type of procedures that our aging population needs to provide optimum function and esthetics for their dental condition.

A Prosthodontist provides care for patients who are missing teeth or have significant damage to their existing teeth. The Prosthodontist can aid in the rehabilitation of a complete dentition or merely in the replacement of one or two teeth. With the advent of dental implants as a viable means of replacing teeth, the Prosthodontist's role has expanded substantially. The Prosthodontist can supply the control and expertise that is necessary to make an implant supported restoration look and function properly.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes nine dental specialties, and the ADA does not include "cosmetic dentistry" as a specialty. Prosthodontists receive extensive training and experience in dental esthetics and cosmetics during their graduate programs which currently last three years. Many cosmetic dentists receive training during seminars or a series of courses, but this training is usually limited to weekend or possibly weeklong courses.

A Board Certified Prosthodontist has successfully completed extensive examinations administered by the American Board of Prosthodontics. These examinations involve written and oral examinations in Prosthodontic theory and literature, the presentation of three different patient treatments, documented from the beginning to the end of the treatment, and examinations regarding the rationale of this treatment. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, the Prosthodontist must successfully complete a re-certification examination every eight years.

Board Certification establishes that a specialist is educationally qualified, has successfully completed a four-part examination, and is subjected to recertification every eight years to ensure that he/she is current in practices that affect the specialty. Board certification assures the patient that they are receiving treatment from the most experienced dental professionals.

The Prosthodontist is best viewed as the "architect" of your dental project. He has the vision of your final outcome, both the esthetics of your smile and the improved function of your bite. Often other dental specialists may participate in your treatment to help establish a solid foundation for your restorations. Dr. Pigno develops a treatment plan customized for each individual patient, and he will determine if adjunctive procedures by another doctor are necessary.

Insurance companies rarely differentiate between fees charged by general dentists and those charge by specialists. Therefore, most specialists are not considered providers. The insurance will still contribute to the cost of your treatment, and our office staff will help you achieve your maximum benefit.

Your insurance company will cover most procedures, at least to some degree. Most companies have a yearly maximum allowable benefit, and some companies disallow certain procedures. A pretreatment authorization often is the best way to determine the extent your insurance company will cover your treatment. Our staff will gladly assist with any of your insurance questions.

Yes, our office is completely compliant with OSHA and follows the guidelines published by the American Dental Association regarding infection control in the dental office.

Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan following an appointment devoted to the gathering of information. The patient's desires will be addressed as well as his/her dental needs. Once a treatment plan is developed and the patient agrees to treatment, payment options can be explored with our office staff.

The length of treatment time depends on many factors including the procedures involved. Once your individualized treatment plan is established, please feel free to discuss the time required for treatment with Dr. Pigno.