Prosthodontist in Colorado Springs
At Mountain Springs Advanced Dental, we understand the importance of a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. When it comes to complex dental restorations, our team of highly skilled prosthodontists in Colorado Springs is here to provide you with the highest level of care.
As experts in prosthodontics, we specialize in restoring and replacing missing teeth and enhancing your overall oral health. With our state-of-the-art facilities and patient-centered approach, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a confident and radiant smile.
Understanding Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics, also known as dental prosthetics, is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on restoring and replacing missing teeth and repairing damaged teeth.
Prosthodontists undergo extensive training beyond general dentistry to become experts in designing, creating, and placing dental prostheses, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants. They possess the knowledge and skills necessary to rehabilitate and enhance your smile’s aesthetics, function, and comfort.
Consequences of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss can significantly affect your oral health, overall well-being, and quality of life. When a tooth is missing, it can lead to several problems.
Adjacent teeth may shift or tilt into the empty space, causing misalignment and bite issues. The jawbone around the missing tooth may deteriorate over time, leading to bone loss and changes in facial appearance.
Chewing and speaking may become more difficult, impacting your ability to enjoy food and communicate effectively.
Additionally, tooth loss can affect your self-confidence and social interactions. Prompt replacement of missing teeth is essential to prevent these consequences and maintain optimal oral health.
How We Can Help
Restoring Missing Teeth
- Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most innovative and effective solutions for replacing missing teeth. These titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots.
Our prosthodontists are experienced in implant placement and restoration, ensuring a seamless and long-lasting result. Dental implants provide a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures, restoring your smile’s appearance and function.
- Dentures and Partial Dentures
For patients with multiple missing teeth, dentures and partial dentures offer an excellent option for restoring their smile. Our prosthodontists will custom-design and fabricate dentures that fit comfortably and look natural.
With modern advancements in materials and techniques, dentures are more lifelike and comfortable than ever before. Whether you need a complete set of dentures or a partial denture to replace a few missing teeth, we can help you regain your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Repairing and Enhancing Damaged Teeth
- Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, also known as caps, are designed to restore severely damaged or decayed teeth. They cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing strength, protection, and an improved appearance.
Our prosthodontists use high-quality materials and precise techniques to create crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Whether you have a cracked tooth, a large cavity, or a weakened tooth, a dental crown can restore its strength, function, and aesthetics. Moreover, we can now create same-day crown restorations in Colorado Springs, so you can leave the dental office with a complete, functional smile.
- Dental Bridges
If you have one or more missing teeth in a row, a dental bridge can bridge the gap and restore your smile. A dental bridge consists of artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by dental crowns on the adjacent healthy teeth.
Our prosthodontists will assess your specific situation and customize a dental bridge that fits securely and looks natural. Dental bridges not only fill the gaps in your smile but also help maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth and restore proper biting and chewing function.
Your Board-Certified Prosthodontists in Colorado Springs
A prosthodontist is a dentist who completes about three more years of specialty training after dental school. That training focuses on restoring and replacing teeth: crowns, bridges, dentures, implant restorations, and full-mouth reconstruction. Prosthodontics is one of the dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
Board certification goes a step further. It’s a voluntary, rigorous examination process through the American Board of Prosthodontics. Prosthodontists who pass become Diplomates of the Board.
Mountain Springs Advanced Dental has two board-certified prosthodontists, both trained through the U.S. Army.
Dr. Benjamin Patterson, DDS, FACP
Dr. Patterson earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 2005. He then completed a prosthodontic residency with the U.S. Army in 2008. By early 2009, he was board-certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics and became a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists.
He served seven years in the Army, the last four in Heidelberg, Germany, before opening his private practice in Colorado Springs in 2012. Dr. Patterson believes patients should understand their options. He walks every patient through their treatment choices so they can decide together what’s right for them.
Dr. S. Shae Cherrington, Board-Certified Maxillofacial Prosthodontist
Dr. Cherrington graduated with High Distinction from Indiana University School of Dentistry. He completed his Army prosthodontic residency in 2009 and earned board certification in 2010. He spent six years as Chief of Prosthodontics at Fort Campbell, KY, where he oversaw the prosthodontic training of 48 dental residents.
He later completed a Maxillofacial Prosthetics Fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center. That advanced training covers restoring the mouth and face for patients affected by cancer, trauma, or congenital conditions. He has also served as the U.S. Army’s Prosthodontic Consultant to The Surgeon General. Dr. Cherrington sees patients at our office on select Fridays each month.
Insurance & Payment Options
Prosthodontic treatment, from crowns and bridges to dentures and implant restorations, is an investment in your long-term health. We work to make it affordable. Our team will check your benefits and explain your costs before treatment starts, so there are no surprises.
Dental Insurance We Accept
We accept many major dental plans, including Delta Dental PPO and Premier, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian PPO, United Healthcare PPO, Humana, and GEHA. We also proudly serve military families and veterans through the Tricare Dental Program and Community Care (VA network). See the full list of accepted insurance here!
Not sure if your plan is covered? Call us, and we’ll verify your benefits for you.
Flexible Financing with Cherry
Want to start treatment now and spread out the cost? We offer payment plans through Cherry. Applying takes about 60 seconds, and there’s no hard credit check. Plans are available with 0% APR options and approvals up to $50,000.*
*0% APR and other promotional rates are subject to eligibility and approval.
Frequently Asked Questions for Prosthodontics in Colorado Springs
Q: How long does the prosthodontic treatment process usually take?
A: The duration of prosthodontic treatment can vary depending on the specific case and the treatment plan designed for you. It can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the need for any preparatory procedures, and the type of dental restorations involved. Our prosthodontist in Colorado Springs will evaluate your situation during your consultation, provide a personalized treatment plan, and discuss the estimated timeline with you.
Q: Are dental implants a permanent solution for tooth replacement?
A: Dental implants are designed to be a long-term and durable solution for tooth replacement. The titanium implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it integrates with the bone, providing a stable foundation for the dental restoration. With proper care, including regular oral hygiene practices and routine dental visits, dental implants can last many years, if not a lifetime.
Q: Are there any age restrictions for prosthodontic treatments?
A: Prosthodontic treatments are not age-restricted. They can benefit patients of all ages with missing or damaged teeth. Whether you are a young adult, middle-aged, or a senior, our prosthodontists can assess your dental condition and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Looking for a Reliable Prosthodontist in Colorado Springs?
The prosthodontic care provided at Mountain Springs Advanced Dental offers comprehensive solutions to restore and enhance your smile.
With our skilled team of prosthodontists, state-of-the-art facilities, and personalized treatment plans, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional results.
Whether you need dental implants, dentures, dental crowns, or other restorative treatments, we are here to help you regain your confidence and oral health. Contact us for an appointment.