A Singular Focus on the Restoration and Replacement of Teeth
I am a dental specialist with extensive additional training and many years experience in the restoration and replacement of teeth. I have agreed to “limit” my patient procedures to restorative treatments – and thus have accumulated experience and expertise in this narrow field of dentistry. To acquire Board Certification, I completed an extensive written and clinical examination by the American College of Prosthodontists. Prosthodontics is one of nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
After attaining my undergraduate degree and four additional years of dental school course and clinic work, I committed to two additional years of intense specialized training at the University of Minnesota Dental School – an American Dental Association accredited graduate program. I perfected my skills and practiced with the first Prosthodontist in Minnesota, Dr. Walter Warpeha, Sr., for more than 15 years.
Effective Use of a Variety of Procedures
I am able to offer individual, personalized treatment options to address the cause and offer resolution of dental damage caused over time or due to trauma, taking a whole-mouth approach to problems and solutions. I make every effort to effectively use a variety of procedures – from simple to complex – to save and protect natural teeth, replace missing teeth, improve chewing function and enhance the appearance of your mouth and face.
If you feel your situation is complicated and have not or may not be met by a practitioner of conventional dentistry, then consider specialty care which excels in unique solutions, effective use of materials, and has time-proven success.
Our team is able to offer treatment options to remedy daily wear and tear, address tooth and joint pain, support healthy tooth structures and replace missing teeth. With old and new dental materials and time-proven implant treatment, we are able to offer comfortable, esthetically pleasing, easily maintained and long lasting crowns, bridges, complete and partial dentures. Your quality of life depends on good oral health and function.
Solutions Tailored to You
We make every attempt to tailor the solutions to your life and your expectations. We realize that the costs of treatment goes far beyond money to include your time, respect for the remaining teeth and oral structures and tolerance for therapy. I know dental treatment will affect your present and future health and well being.
Procedures Implemented in Prosthodontic Treatment
Crown and Bridgework
involves replacement of worn or broken teeth by bonding a crown or bridge to a tooth or implant using either conventional materials and procedures or high tech options.
Porcelain Laminates
are a conservative metal-free alternative to conventional crowns. Porcelain laminates are crafted and matched to adjacent teeth for color and then tightly bonded to the underlying tooth enamel. Only recently have we been able to incorporate porcelain laminates into bridgework treatments. We can adjust tooth coloration, use minimal preparation with less structure loss and implement computer-aided fabrication for a very esthetically pleasing result.
Cosmetic Adaptations
are minimally-invasive adjustments to the enamel of teeth (often partnered with bleaching) to give an even, more feminine or masculine appearance.
Implant Restorations
replace missing teeth with permanent bone anchors which are either covered by a crown or bridgework. They may be cemented onto the implant for a lower cost solution to maintaining a problematic full or partial denture.
Full and Partial Dentures
replace missing teeth with removable appliances (sometimes in conjunction with crowns and/or implants). The use of specialized techniques and premium materials results in exceptional appearance, function and longevity.
Cleft Palate and Congenitally Missing Teeth
are common birth defects frequently involving missing teeth and other issues of the mouth that can best be treated by a prosthodontist.
Oral Reconstruction
is needed when trauma or major dental damage causes teeth to be lost or loosened and perhaps even jaws broken.
Bite or TMD
Treatments needed when facial muscles and jaw joints are uncomfortable or when there is grinding or clenching of teeth. These symptoms cause sore or loosened teeth. Proper diagnosis and treatment is essential to stave off irreparable damage to oral structures.
Patients with a variety of needs seek the expertise of a Prosthodontist
A need can arise as the result of the slow deterioration of the mouth which has ultimately reached a critical stage needing extensive and occasionally emergency care. Sometimes it happens in an instant due to facial trauma or an accident. Sometimes medical conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, a stroke or cancer can affect oral health and function.
Also common is the person who has received conventional dental treatment only to find that is not performing as expected and needs replacement or advanced care.
Dental challenges are common to those born with a cleft palate and temporary or permanent solutions are available to increase function and improve a smile.
Of course, many patients needing very ordinary crownwork or dentures prefer the expertise of a specialist. Dr. Warpeha strives to make the process go smoothly, maintain the patient’s comfort and produce good-looking, long-lasting results.
A prosthodontist is trained to coordinate treatment with other dental and medical providers to ease treatment stress on our patients.
The Warpeha Prosthodontic Clinic has a long-standing reputation for contemporary, creative, and cost-effective dental care
612 379-2425
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1312 Second Street Northeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413
