Prosthodontics is a dental specialty that applies to the replacement of any body part in the head and neck region, ranging from simple fillings or a single crown to advanced full mouth reconstruction. Prosthodontists are the original cosmetic dentists.

Crowns, Bridges & Veneers - Cosmetic Reconstruction

A crown is a restoration that covers (or caps) a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size. You should consider crown work if you need to:

• strengthen or improve the appearance of a tooth
• support a large filling when there isn't enough natural tooth remaining
• keep weak teeth form fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or use it as a bridge abutment

A bridge fills in the space between one or more missing teeth. The natural teeth on either end of the space are filed down and crowned. The false tooth is then attached to the crowned tooth.

Our crowns and bridges are made by an American award-winning lab that Dr. Casagrande works with directly to ensure exceptional function, esthetics and durability. Veneers are custom-made porcelain shells that are permanently bonded directly to the front of your teeth. They can eliminate spaces or discoloration from teeth or fillings and look completely natural.

Implants & Dentures - Tooth Replacement

Dentures and implants are the two options for replacing missing teeth. Dr. Casagrande has extensive experience in implant treatment so you are assured of his expertise and careful attention to detail. He'll do a thorough review of your medical and dental history, along with a clinical and radiographic exam to determine the appropriate treatment plan for your particular case.

Dentures, which are constructed of a hard acrylic material or a combination of metal and acrylic, are the easiest and least expensive of your two tooth replacement options, but may not be as comfortable or allow you to chew as well because they utilize the gum tissue to absorb the stress of biting and chewing.

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) - Treatment

TMJ disorders are most often caused by clenching or grinding teeth, an inappropriate bite, injuries, arthritis, or braces. TMJ can have painful symptoms, including headaches, stiff muscles, difficulty opening or closing mouth, chewing, or ringing in the ears.

Dr. Casagrande's specialized treatment can help restore harmony to your joints and jaw with a splint specifically designed for your particular joint problem. The splint is worn on your upper teeth, and is designed to allow the muscles to relax. It also allows tissues to heal and the joint to move into their appropriate position.

Splint therapy can last anywhere from two to four months. Further treatment may include reconstruction with crowns and bridges on some or all of your teeth and surgery. Dr. Casagrande will also instruct you on other treatments that include stress management and physical therapy.

Snoring & Sleep Apnea - Sleep Disorder Treatment

If you suffer from sleep apnea or snoring problems, we can work with your sleep specialist to develop a dental appliance for you.

Sleep apnea is a treatable and common disorder in which a person stops breathing during sleep. It affects millions of Americans, but often goes undiagnosed despite the potentially serious side effects, including high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases, memory problems, weight gain, impotency and headaches.

Dr. Casagrande treats obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type, which is the result of the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapsing and closing the airway. This can cause people to stop breathing up to a hundred times an hour and often last for a minute or more. With each event, the brain signals those with apnea to wake up in order to resume breathing, resulting in sleep that's fragmented and of poor quality.

Cancer, Trauma & Cleft Palate - Reconstructive Procedures

If you have a cleft palate or are a cancer, trauma or accident victim, in addition to tooth replacement, our areas of expertise include reconstruction of missing parts or sections in the neck and head. We also perform facial work and reconstruct eyes, ears and noses, as well as corrective procedures to repair cleft palate and visible injuries and/or deformities.