Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who specialises in restoring and replacing teeth to improve both the function and appearance of your smile. Think of them as the architects of dentistry. Experts trained to handle complex cases that go beyond what a general dentist typically treats.

After completing a dental degree, a prosthodontist undertakes an additional three years of specialist training. This advanced study covers everything from crowns, bridges and veneers to dentures, dental implants and full mouth reconstructions. This expertise makes a real difference when your situation calls for a high level of precision and planning.

Meet Dr Bevan Chong

At Artisan Prosthodontics in Ringwood, Dr Bevan Chong brings this specialist knowledge to every patient. Whether you are dealing with worn, damaged or missing teeth, Dr Chong takes the time to understand your goals and design a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. Every restoration is crafted with careful attention to how your teeth look, feel and work together, because a great smile should do both.

Prosthodontists also work closely with other dental and medical professionals, making them well-placed to coordinate care for patients with more complex needs. So if you have been referred to a prosthodontist, or you are simply curious about whether specialist care is right for you, you are in good hands.

Talk with Our Team

If you would like to learn more or book a consultation with Dr Chong, get in touch with Artisan Prosthodontics today.

If your dentist has referred you to a prosthodontist, it is likely because your dental needs requires specialist care. Prosthodontists like Dr Bevan Chong at Artisan Prosthodontics are uniquely trained to handle complex restorative cases, and seeing one at the right time can make a significant difference to your long term oral health.

What a Prosthodontist Can Help With

You might need to see a prosthodontist if you are experiencing or considering any of the following:

• Missing teeth — Whether a single tooth or multiple teeth, a prosthodontist can recommend and place the best solution for your situation, such as implants, bridges or dentures.
• Damaged or worn teeth  — Extensive decay, cracking or wear can require restorations that go beyond a standard filling, such as crowns, veneers or onlays.
• Full mouth rehabilitation — If multiple teeth need attention at once, a prosthodontist plans and coordinates the entire treatment process.
• Ill-fitting dentures — If your current dentures are uncomfortable or loose, a prosthodontist can create a better fitting, more natural looking solution.
• Dental implants — Prosthodontists are specialists in implant planning and restoration, ensuring the result looks and functions like a natural tooth.
• Cosmetic concerns — When aesthetics and function both need addressing, a prosthodontist brings a facially driven approach to treatment planning.

At Artisan Prosthodontics, Dr Chong takes a thorough and personalised approach with every patient. You do not need a referral to make an appointment, so if any of the above sounds familiar, reach out to our friendly team.

The good news is that you do not need a referral to see Dr Chong. You are welcome to get in touch and book a consultation directly. 

That said, many patients do come to us via a referral from their dentist or another dental specialist. If that is you, rest assured that Dr Chong works closely with referring practitioners to ensure your care is seamless and well-coordinated from start to finish.

What to Expect at Artisan Prosthodontics

Whether you have been referred or you are reaching out on your own initiative, the process is the same. At your first appointment, Dr Chong will take the time to understand your dental history, discuss your concerns and carry out a thorough assessment. From there, a personalised treatment plan is put together that suits your needs, your goals and your lifestyle.

So if you have been putting off seeking specialist care because you were not sure where to start, there is no need to wait. Some of the most common reasons patients come to Artisan Prosthodontics without a referral include:

• Unhappiness with the appearance of their smile and wanting a specialist's opinion on the best path forward.
• Loose or uncomfortable dentures that are affecting their confidence or ability to eat and speak comfortably.
• Missing teeth and wanting to explore long term replacement options such as dental implants.
• Worn or damaged teeth that have been causing ongoing discomfort or sensitivity.

Getting started is straightforward. Simply contact our practice and we will take care of the rest.

Cosmetic dentistry might be right for you if you are experiencing functional issues or want to enhance your smile. The best way to find out is through a personalised consultation with Dr Chong.

Our Consultation Process

At Artisan Prosthodontics, we believe in a thorough, pressure-free approach to consultation. Your first visit is an opportunity to explore your options without any obligation or pressure to proceed with treatment.

Dr Chong begins by listening carefully to your concerns, goals and expectations. He wants to understand what is bothering you about your smile and what you hope to achieve. This conversation helps him tailor his assessment and recommendations to your specific needs.

Next, Dr Chong conducts a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums and bite. He will assess not just the aesthetic concerns you have raised but also the underlying function and health of your teeth. He may take digital images or photographs to aid in treatment planning and help you visualise potential outcomes.

Based on his findings, Dr Chong will discuss the options available to you, explaining how different treatments could address your concerns and the functional benefits they provide. He will be honest about what is achievable, what is necessary and what might be optional. You will receive clear information about the process, timeline and costs involved.

Ready to Get Started?

Importantly, there is no pressure to make immediate decisions. Dr Chong encourages you to take time to consider your options, ask questions and make choices that feel right for you. His approach is grounded in integrity. You will only receive recommendations that genuinely serve your best interests and oral health.

Yes, prosthodontists play a crucial role in dental implant treatment. At Artisan Prosthodontics, Dr Chong works collaboratively with experienced periodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons to provide comprehensive implant care from initial planning through to final restoration.

The Collaborative Approach

Dental implant treatment involves two key phases: the surgical placement of the implant(s) into the jaw bone and the restorative phase, in which the crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant(s). While periodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons typically handle the surgical placement, prosthodontists like Dr Chong specialise in designing and fitting the restorations that attach to implants.

This collaborative approach ensures you benefit from each specialist's unique expertise, resulting in optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Dr Chong's Role in Implant Treatment

As a specialist prosthodontist, Dr Chong is involved from the very beginning of your implant journey. He conducts the initial assessment to determine whether dental implants are suitable for your situation and helps plan the precise positioning of implants to ensure the final restoration functions properly and looks natural.

Dr Chong works closely with the surgical team throughout the process, coordinating treatment to achieve the best possible result. Once your implants have integrated with the bone, he designs and fits your custom restoration, whether it is a single crown, a bridge, or a denture.

His advanced training in prosthodontics means he has expert knowledge in how teeth, implants and restorations work together. This expertise is essential for creating implant restorations that feel comfortable, function effectively and last for many years.

If you are considering dental implants, Dr Chong can assess your needs and coordinate all aspects of your care with trusted surgical colleagues.

Full mouth rehabilitation is designed for patients with extensive dental problems affecting multiple teeth or their entire bite. If you are dealing with significant oral health issues that impact your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly or smile with confidence, you may be an ideal candidate for this comprehensive treatment approach.

Signs You May Need Full Mouth Rehabilitation

• Severe tooth wear – Teeth that are extensively worn down from grinding, clenching or acid erosion, resulting in loss of tooth structure and bite height​
• Multiple missing teeth – Gaps throughout your mouth that affect chewing function and cause remaining teeth to shift
• Extensive tooth decay – Widespread cavities or failing dental work affecting numerous teeth
• Broken or damaged teeth – Multiple cracked, chipped or fractured teeth that compromise oral function
• Bite problems – Misaligned bite causing difficulty chewing, jaw pain, headaches or temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders
• Failed previous dental work – Old crowns, bridges or fillings that are failing and need replacement
• Chronic dental pain – Ongoing discomfort from damaged teeth, exposed roots or bite dysfunction
• Significant aesthetic concerns – Combination of cosmetic and functional issues affecting your entire smile

The Assessment Process

During your consultation, Dr Chong will conduct a thorough examination to assess the extent of your dental problems and determine whether a full mouth rehabilitation is appropriate for your situation. Not everyone with multiple dental issues requires a full mouth rehabilitation. Sometimes a more conservative, phased approach is suitable.

Dr Chong will discuss all available options with you honestly, explaining what treatment is necessary and what treatment is optional. His goal is to restore your oral health and function in the most effective way for your individual circumstances.