Defining the Specialist: What is a Prosthodontist?
While general dentists handle routine care like fillings and cleanings, a prosthodontist is a dental specialist focused on the restoration and replacement of teeth—especially in complex cases.
Dr. Paul Connolly completed three additional years of advanced residency training in prosthodontics after earning his DMD at UPenn School of Dental Medicine. His specialty education at the University of Iowa focused specifically on:
- Rebuilding severely worn or damaged smiles
- Replacing multiple missing teeth
- Full-mouth reconstruction after trauma or long-term neglect
- Advanced treatment planning and occlusion (bite) rehabilitation
You can learn more about Dr. Connolly’s background here.
The “Broken Tooth” Solution
Patients often arrive with the same concerns:
- “My old bridge is failing.”
- “I’ve lost a few teeth over the years and can’t chew comfortably.”
- “My bite feels off, and now my front teeth are chipping.”
- “My smile hasn’t looked right in years, and it’s affecting my confidence.”
Full-mouth rehabilitation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may involve a combination of procedures like:
- Dental crowns to strengthen and protect damaged teeth
- Dental bridges to fill gaps caused by missing teeth
- Implant restorations, veneers, and bite realignment for long-term stability
The key is strategic planning—and that’s where a prosthodontist’s training makes all the difference.
The Consultation Process
Full-mouth cases aren’t rushed. When you visit Bedford Center for Prosthodontics, your first appointment includes a comprehensive exam and an in-depth review of your records. We look at:
- Your current bite and jaw function
- X-rays, 3D scans, and digital impressions
- The health of remaining teeth, gums, and bone
- Past dental work and any signs of failure or complications
We then design a phased treatment plan that prioritizes both function and appearance—so your new smile isn’t just beautiful, but strong and sustainable for years to come.
Quality of Life: More Than Just a Smile
Full-mouth rehabilitation isn’t only about looking better. It’s about getting back to a life where eating, laughing, and socializing come naturally again.
Imagine biting into a crisp New Hampshire apple or enjoying corn on the cob at a summer cookout—without worrying if your bridge will shift or a crown will crack. That’s the real result of a well-executed rehabilitation: the return of freedom and confidence.
Many patients say it’s not until after treatment that they realize how much their oral health had been holding them back. With a rebuilt smile, they feel younger, more social, and more comfortable in their day-to-day lives.
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