Dr. Harshiv Karia is a prosthodontist, digital dentistry educator, and dental implant specialist at UConn Health. Expert in digital dental workflows, CAD/CAM dentistry, and full-arch implant rehabilitation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on restoring and replacing teeth. Prosthodontists complete an additional 3 years of advanced training beyond dental school, specializing in dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, and full-mouth rehabilitation. Dr. Harshiv Karia is a board-eligible prosthodontist at UConn Health specializing in digital dentistry and implant rehabilitation.
Digital dentistry refers to the use of digital technologies such as intraoral scanners, CAD/CAM design software, 3D printing, and computer-guided surgery to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and outcomes of dental treatment. Digital workflows allow for more predictable implant placement, more precise restorations, and faster turnaround times compared to traditional methods.
Modern intraoral scanners achieve trueness within 30-50 microns for single-arch scans. However, accuracy decreases with longer scan spans and is affected by scanning strategy, ambient conditions, and operator technique. Full-arch scans can accumulate errors of 100-200+ microns. Evidence-based scanning protocols and understanding of scanner limitations are essential for predictable digital workflows.
Full-arch dental implants are a treatment for patients missing all teeth in one or both jaws. Typically 4-6 implants are placed per arch to support a fixed prosthesis that functions like natural teeth. Modern protocols using tilted implants and digital planning allow for immediate loading, meaning patients can receive teeth the same day as surgery. Research shows survival rates exceeding 97% at 5+ years.
CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing) dentistry uses digital technology to design and fabricate dental restorations like crowns, bridges, veneers, and implant components. The workflow typically involves intraoral scanning, digital design using specialized software, and fabrication through milling or 3D printing. CAD/CAM enables same-day dentistry and more precise restorations.
Guided implant surgery uses 3D imaging (CBCT scans) and digital planning software to create a surgical guide that directs implant placement with high precision. This technology allows for minimally invasive, flapless procedures, reduces surgical time, and improves implant positioning accuracy. Computer-guided surgery is especially valuable for complex cases such as full-arch rehabilitation.
Digital smile design (DSD) is a treatment planning approach that uses digital photography, video, and software to design a patient's ideal smile before any treatment begins. It allows patients to preview their results and actively participate in the design process. The digital plan guides the clinical workflow from diagnostic wax-up through final restoration, improving predictability and patient satisfaction.
Look for a prosthodontist with board certification or eligibility from the American Board of Prosthodontics, residency training from a CODA-accredited program, and experience with modern digital dentistry workflows including intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM, and guided implant surgery. The American College of Prosthodontists directory (prosthodontics.org) is a good starting point. Connecticut is home to UConn Health School of Dental Medicine, which offers prosthodontic care with access to specialists trained at top programs, the latest digital technology, and multidisciplinary treatment planning.
A cosmetic dentist is typically a general dentist who offers elective esthetic treatments such as veneers, whitening, and bonding. A prosthodontist is a board-recognized dental specialist with 3 additional years of advanced residency training specifically in restoring and replacing teeth, including complex esthetic cases, full-mouth rehabilitations, dental implants, and precision restorations. Prosthodontists are trained to handle both simple cosmetic improvements and the most challenging reconstructive cases. For patients seeking cosmetic dentistry backed by the highest level of specialist training, a prosthodontist offers the most comprehensive expertise.
When searching for cosmetic dentistry in Farmington, West Hartford, Hartford, or anywhere in Connecticut, consider seeing a prosthodontist — a dental specialist with advanced training in esthetics, dental implants, and complex restorations. UConn Health School of Dental Medicine in Farmington offers access to prosthodontic specialists who combine the latest digital dentistry technology with evidence-based treatment planning for smile makeovers, porcelain veneers, implant restorations, and full-mouth rehabilitation.