Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Prosthodontist?

A Prosthodontist is a dentist who has successfully completed dental school and wishes to become an expert in restorative dentistry, (the restoration, repair, or replacement of teeth), implant restorations, and TMJ (Temporomandibular Jaw Joints).  There are only eight specialties recognized by the American dental Association.  Dentists who have several years of advanced, accredited education in the field of restorative dentistry are called Prosthodontists. Only after successfully completing these programs will a dentist be recognized as a prosthodontist.

What is a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist?

A Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, like Dr. Wada, has more education and training than a Prosthodontist and can provide all of the services a regular dentist or Prosthodontist does, and more.

What are the benefits of going to a Prosthodontist or Maxillofacial Prosthodontist for my dental care?

A beautiful, healthy smile is an important part of self esteem and well-being. Prosthodontists are expert dentists who are given years of additional training to do just that - keep you smiling!  Many people believe that it is a natural part of the aging process to continue to need dentistry performed year after year.  That is not true.  There are very specific reasons when a patient continues to need crowns, root canals, bridges, partials, or even dentures.  An important part of a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist's job is to pinpoint the underlying cause of problems, and solve them.  This is done by providing a very thorough examination (1 1/2 to 2 hours long), creating an organized treatment plan and performing high quality dental treatment.  This comprehensive approach insures that the dental treatment the doctor provides will last and that the patient's teeth, whenever possible, will become stable.

If you have teeth that continue to crack, break, decay, become infected, or you have missing teeth, you may need to be seen by an expert restorative dentist such as a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist.  Prosthodontists and Maxillofacial Prosthodontists have extensive training and education in order to understand the mechanics of the bite, jaw joints, teeth, and the function of the entire chewing system.  They are trained to understand and stop the progression in patients' mouths of lost, broken, infected teeth or ill-fitting dentures or partial dentures.  Prosthodontists, like Dr. Wada, also have extensive training to provide implant restorations.  Therefore, when a patient is treated by a Prosthodontist or Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, the doctor is able to focus on and solve the cause of the patient's problems.  Examples could be an unstable bite, gum disease, recurring decay, etc.  During the course of the dental treatment, Dr. Wada solves the underlying condition or cause as well as replacing or repairing the patient's teeth.  The goal of this type of treatment is to provide dental treatment that lasts and stops the continuation of breakdown, creating a natural, beautiful smile for life.

Is it important to address the underlying cause of dental problems?

Yes!  It is very important if you want your dental work to be successful and last.  Let's say you have a broken tooth.  You visit the dentist and he or she puts a crown on it.  Three years later the crown on that same tooth breaks or comes loose.  Why?  Because if the dentist who put the original crown on did not pinpoint and solve the cause of the break, the tooth or its replacement will almost certainly continue to break or come loose.  Teeth break because of uncontrolled forces.  If a tooth breaks because the patient's bite is not balanced, Dr. Wada will address the problem with the bite BEFORE making a new crown.  This approach ensures that the crown or any other treatment will last.

How does a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist or Prosthodontist find the underlying causes of my dental problems?

In order to successfully treat every patient, Dr. Wada examines them very thoroughly, diagnosing the patient's dental problems and their causes.  Dr. Wada's extensive training enables him to precisely fabricate and fit all types of restorations, creating a comfortable, functional, and beautiful smile for his patients.

What type of patient does Dr. Wada treat?

Most patients for whom Dr. Wada cares have had a long history of dental treatment and lost teeth.  These patients are looking for dental health and stability once and for all.  Dr. Wada also treats patients with head and neck cancer, as well as those with birth defects.  Patients who suffer with "TMJ" also seek out Dr. Wada for their care.  Specialty restorative dentistry is available to all patients.  You do not need a referral in order to make an appointment.

Can dental care truly be calm and relaxing?

Yes! Dental care in a soothing, peaceful atmosphere is truly unique. Dr. Wada's entire office is carefully designed to provide just that, to ensure a positive experience for his dental patients.

For further information, give our office a call at (916) 630-9048, or e-mail us at CWada@aolcom.