Dr. Kent J. Howell, Prosthodontist - Advanced Dental Prosthetics in Mesa AZ - Partial Dentures

Partial Dentures
If you are missing teeth, a partial denture may be a viable option for you. A partial denture relies on your existing teeth for support and retention. Partial dentures can be made from many different materials and many different configurations. The most common type utilizes a metal framework that is adapted to your existing teeth and tissues. The denture teeth and pink acrylic that mimics your gums are attached to the metal framework. In most cases partial dentures are preferred over complete dentures because they are much more stable in the mouth. A partial denture is a removable prosthesis. 

For more information and/or to find out if you are a candidate for partial dentures, contact the office of Dr. Kent J. Howell at (480) 832-1375 or info@advanceddentalprosthetics.com.

Immediate Dentures (Healing Denture)

Immediate Dentures (Healing Denture) - Sometimes all the teeth need to be removed and replaced with dentures at the time they are extracted.  This type of denture is called an immediate denture or temporary denture.  There are multiple steps the dentist must complete before the immediate dentures can be fabricated by the laboratory and the teeth extracted.  Although immediate dentures work well to give a new smile and replace teeth immediately, they have many challenges.  For someone receiving complete dentures that has no teeth, denture teeth are tried in the patient’s mouth to verify the smile.  This is not always possible with immediate dentures because the natural teeth still remain.  The dentist fabricating the immediate dentures makes educated guesses on the stone models of your teeth in order to make the immediate dentures prior to the extractions.

For questions on immediate dentures or to schedule a consultation with Mesa Prosthodontist, Dr. Kent Howell, please call (480) 832-1375 or you may send an email to: info@advanceddentalprosthetics.com

Happy National Dentist's Day!

Happy National Dentist's Day!
Celebrated annually on March 6th, National Dentist’s Day was created as a day set aside to say “Thank You” to and show appreciation to your dentist and their dedication to keeping your smile bright and your teeth and mouth healthy.

Now is the perfect time to make an appointment to make sure your teeth are healthy and your habits are on the right track! You may contact our office to schedule an appointment at (480) 832-1375 .

We look forward to seeing you!
- Dr. Howell & Team

Full-Mouth Reconstruction

A full-mouth reconstruction (also called a rehab) refers to the process of restoring the oral cavity to a healthy, fully-functioning state.  There are many reasons and indications indicating this type of treatment.  This can range from wearing down the teeth from grinding, severe erosion of tooth structure from acid reflux and/or health concerns such as bulemia/anorexia, severe cavities, and dry mouth (xerostomia).  Some oral habits can also cause severe damage to the dentition.  These can include: smoking, chewing tobacco, drug abuse, sucking citrus fruits, high soda intake, and many others.  A full-mouth reconstruction can be indicated for people missing no teeth, to people missing all their teeth, and to those needing all of their teeth removed and replaced.  Often this type of treatment can require the expertise of multiple specialists, of which the Prosthodontist is often referred to as the “quarterback” or “architect” of the patient’s treatment.  Prosthodontists are trained in multi-disciplinary type treatments in order to reach an optimal result for the patient.

For more information about full-mouth reconstruction or prosthodontic dental treatment, contact the office of Dr. Kent J. Howell at (480) 832-1375.

Meet Mesa Prosthodontist - Dr. Kent J. Howell

Kent J. Howell, D.M.D., M.S., a prosthodontist and owner of Advanced Dental Prosthetics in Mesa, AZ, is a caring and empathetic professional who has a passion for helping others and for creating new smiles.  Dr. Howell has the ability to bring a unique perspective to treating his patients due to his additional education and training as a Prosthodontist – a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth.  This advanced understanding is a result of 3 additional years of training that allow Prosthodontists to approach situations with a special vision and perspective completely unique from a general dentist.

Dr. Howell grew up in Wyoming as the oldest of five children.  Working for his father who is an Engineer most of his youth, he gained valuable lessons in precision and discipline while spending summers on construction sites throughout many states.  Dr. Howell did his undergraduate work in Biology and Public Health at Utah State University.  He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and completed a Masters of Science and Certificate of Specialty in Prosthodontics at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

During his 3-year prosthodontic residency beyond dental school, Dr. Howell focused on comprehensive oral reconstruction and received extensive training in dental implants, removable prostheses (dentures and partials), and conventional fixed prostheses (crowns and bridges). While serving as Chief Resident, Dr. Howell had the opportunity to teach and mentor other residents and dental students in many different areas of prosthodontics.  This helped foster a passion for education which he enjoys sharing with his patients.  He continues teaching by lecturing to groups of dentists locally on different areas of prosthodontics.

During residency, Dr. Howell was trained in all aspects of dental laboratory work and fabricated his own dentures and partials from start to finish for his patients .  This valuable laboratory training was key in helping Dr. Howell to customize each prosthesis in-office and monitor the work that returns from his dental labs.  This is key to be able to provide the level of excellence that his patients deserve.

Dr. Howell enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children.  As new residents to the Phoenix area, they are enjoying the beautiful sunshine and everything Arizona has to offer.  Dr. Howell enjoys the outdoors, playing and watching football with his boys, golfing year round, and watching his family grow up.

 

As of March 3rd, 2014, Dr. Kent Howell will open his practice location in Mesa, AZ, Advanced Dental Prosthetics.  His office is conveniently located at 107 N. Greenfield Road, Suite 1, Mesa, AZ 85205 (Greenfield Rd./Main St.).

 

For more information about Advanced Dental Prosthetics, Dr. Kent Howell, services offered or to schedule an appointment, please call (480) 832-1375.