Let's face it - very few of us have perfect teeth, free of decay, and fillings. You can probably see a filling or two in your own mouth, which do just that -- "fill" a cavity, or hole, in your tooth left from the excavation of decayed tooth structure. In many cases, those fillings are made of metal material and can go bad, weaken the tooth, or get additional decay under or around it. In fact, 1.2 billion of these metal fillings will need to be replaced in the next 10 years.

Prosthodontics (also known as dental prosthetics or prosthetic dentistry) is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). Prosthodontists specialize in the diagnosis, restoration, and replacement of missing teeth. Prosthodontists can restore oral function through the placement of restorations or prostheses (dentures, crowns, implants, etc.). Extensive training and experience give prosthodontists a unique understanding of restoring the dynamics of a smile and healthy mouth with the creation of tooth prostheses.

Using advanced cosmetic dental treatments and materials, your Baytown, TX prosthodontist, Dr. Saad, can make a real difference. The skill, experience, and commitment of our practice — using a unique combination of science and artistry — can literally redesign your smile. Even a subtle change in your smile helps you to project an image of self-confidence and high personal esteem. When you feel good about yourself, it shows in your appearance.

The preparation of your mouth before the placement of a prosthesis is referred to as pre-prosthetic surgery. In order to ensure the maximum level of comfort, some patients require minor oral surgical procedures before receiving a partial or complete denture. A denture sits on the bone ridge, so it is very important that the bone be the proper shape and size. If a tooth needs to be extracted, the underlying bone might be left sharp and uneven. For the best fit of a denture, the bone might need to be smoothed out or reshaped.