Treatments
Restorative and specialized prosthodontic care for every level of complexity.
Prosthodontic Treatment at Rasmussen Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is the dental specialty focused on restoring and replacing teeth. While cosmetic treatments address appearance, the treatments in this section deal with structural problems -- teeth that are broken, weakened, missing, or failing -- and the functional consequences that follow. A collapsed bite, difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and progressive tooth loss are all problems that fall within the prosthodontist's scope of practice.
Dr. Rasmussen's training at the Mayo Clinic provided intensive exposure to the full spectrum of prosthodontic care: single crowns and bridges, complete mouth rehabilitations, maxillofacial prosthetics for patients with congenital or acquired defects, and the management of complex bite disorders. That breadth of experience informs every treatment plan he develops, whether the case involves a single crown or a multi-phase reconstruction.
What Sets Prosthodontic Treatment Apart
Any dentist can place a crown or a bridge. What distinguishes prosthodontic treatment is the depth of diagnostic analysis that precedes the clinical work. Before preparing a single tooth, Dr. Rasmussen evaluates how that tooth relates to the rest of the dentition: the forces it bears, the condition of its neighbors, the health of the bone supporting it, and the way the upper and lower teeth come together when you bite and chew. This systems-level perspective prevents the common problem of treating one tooth in isolation only to have the repair fail because the underlying cause -- a bite imbalance, a grinding habit, an opposing tooth that has shifted -- was never addressed.
Material selection is another area where specialty training matters. Modern dentistry offers a wide range of restorative materials, each with its own strengths and limitations. Zirconia, lithium disilicate, feldspathic porcelain, gold alloy, composite resin -- choosing the right material for each tooth requires understanding the mechanical demands of that position in the arch, the aesthetic requirements, and the patient's habits and risk factors. Dr. Rasmussen matches materials to clinical situations rather than defaulting to a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our Treatment Areas
Crowns & Bridges
Crowns restore individual damaged teeth by encasing the visible portion above the gum line in a custom-fabricated cap of ceramic, zirconia, or gold. Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the crowns on either side of the gap. Both are cemented permanently and function like natural teeth. Dr. Rasmussen uses digital scanning, precision-milled ceramics, and meticulous margin placement to produce restorations that fit accurately and last for many years.
Specialized Treatments
This category encompasses the treatments that distinguish a prosthodontic practice from a general dental office: full mouth reconstruction for patients with widespread damage or wear, TMJ and bruxism management for patients with jaw pain and destructive grinding habits, prosthetics for cleft lip and palate patients, pre-prosthetic surgical planning, and restorative dental fillings. These are the cases that require the additional years of training a prosthodontist brings to the table.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Treatment begins with a thorough examination. Dr. Rasmussen reviews your dental and medical history, takes the necessary radiographs and photographs, and performs a detailed clinical evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw joints. He will explain his findings in plain language, outline the treatment options available, and answer your questions without rushing. If the case is complex, he may recommend additional diagnostic records -- a cone-beam CT scan, mounted study models, or a diagnostic wax-up -- before finalizing the treatment plan.
You will leave the consultation with a clear understanding of your situation and a written treatment plan that includes the recommended sequence of procedures and the associated fees. There is never any pressure to proceed. The plan is yours to consider on your own timeline.
Fees & Financial Policy: Rasmussen Prosthodontics is a fee-for-service practice. We are not contracted with any insurance company, but we can submit claims to your insurance as an out-of-network provider on your request. Read our financial policy →
Frequently Asked Questions
A prosthodontist specializes in restoring and replacing teeth. Treatments include dental crowns and bridges, full mouth reconstruction, dental implants, dentures (including implant-supported dentures), veneers, TMJ and bruxism therapy, cleft palate prosthetics, pre-prosthetic surgery, and restorative fillings. The scope ranges from a single crown to comprehensive rehabilitation of the entire dentition.
A prosthodontist completes an additional three years of specialized residency training after dental school, focused exclusively on the restoration and replacement of teeth. This training covers complex cases such as full mouth reconstructions, maxillofacial prosthetics, and the management of bite disorders -- cases that go beyond the scope of general dental practice. Dr. Rasmussen completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic.
No referral is necessary. You can schedule a consultation directly with Dr. Rasmussen. Many patients are referred by their general dentist for complex cases, but self-referrals are welcome and common. Contact either our Salt Lake City or Vineyard office to book an appointment.
Your first visit includes a thorough examination with radiographs, photographs, and a detailed clinical evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw joints. Dr. Rasmussen will explain his findings, outline treatment options, and answer your questions. You will leave with a written treatment plan including the recommended sequence of procedures and associated fees. There is no pressure to proceed immediately.