Dr. Pablo Cuevas, DDS

Prosthodontist | Prosthodontics

111 Beach Rd Fairfield CT, 06824 Show map

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About

Dr. Pablo Cuevas is the prosthodontics specialist you can trust. With over 31 years of experience, his education, research and specialized training set him apart and have earned him respect from his colleagues within and outside his field. His commitment to ongoing education and development means that you can be sure that you will receive the best care, using the latest advancements. Whether you need a new implant or need one strengthened and secured, Dr. Pablo Cuevas has the breadth of knowledge needed to design your smile beautifully. His journey to Fairfield, CT, started at the University of Iowa – one of the top five dental schools – where he earned a Doctorate in Dental Surgery. He continued his studies at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics Department of Otolaryngology as an American Cancer Society fellow, gaining post-graduate prosthodontics training. He dedicated himself to research and education as a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Through articles and teaching, he focused his work on Dental Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry. He was then elected to the Board of Directors of the American College of Prosthodontics, the youngest member to date. Dr. Cuevas also founded the Connecticut Section of the American College of Prosthodontics. His other offices have included sitting on the Board of Governors of the Connecticut State Dental Association, Past President of the Bridgeport Dental Association, Chairman of the Ethics and Judicial Committees of the Connecticut State Dental Associations and current member of the following: American College of Prosthodontics, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Dental Association, Connecticut State Dental Association, and the Bridgeport Dental Society.

Education and Training

University of Iowa Dental Degree 1986

University of Iowa Prosthodontics 1989

University of Iowa Hospital Fellowship 1989

Provider Details

MaleEnglish

Dr. Pablo Cuevas, DDS

Dr. Pablo Cuevas, DDS's Expert Contributions

My Answers

How do you brush after getting crowns?
Crowns are a layer of either porcelain, metal or a combination that protect the underlying tooth. Like a glove over your hand. Brushing a regular tooth or a tooth covered with a crown should involve the same motion and direction. Place the bristles at a 45 degree angle into the gums. An electric tooth brush will assist the motion. READ MORE
Do dental crowns change color over time?
It is highly unlikely that porcelain crowns will change color over time, unless they are made of another material like resin. Porcelain is like glass and impervious to internal staining. It is more likely that the surround natural teeth have changed color. Twice a year hygiene maintenance appointments should keep them looking like new for many years. READ MORE
Can decay under a crown be fixed?
Usually not. It is impossible to be certain that all decay is removed. Kind of like having a leak inside a wall and just removing the water stained area. One can never be certain all damage is removed. It is a good short term solution less than 3 months. Long term best to remove the crown and proceed with a new one. READ MORE
What is the difference between dental implants and mini implants?
Mini implants are smaller in diameter (less than 2mm), have similar lengths yet much more limited uses, because there are less available options. Many are one piece and have no replaceable parts. If a component wears out the whole implant must be replace. Keep in mind everything eventually will wear out. Regular sized dental implants have replaceable components. For a 49 year old I would strongly recommend a dental implant that has replaceable components. Minis may cost less short term but over the course of a lifetime may end up more expensive because they may need to be completely replaced. READ MORE
Who is a candidate for mini dental implants?
Mini dental implants are generally short-term fixes for long-term problems. It's a bit like using 2x2's to build a home instead of 4x4's. 2x2's are a less expensive alternative initially, but given your age, you will need something that could potentially be needed for 60-70 years. It is unlikely that mini dental implants will last that long. My recommendation is that if you do not have enough bone to support regular-sized dental implants, bone can be added. I encourage you to have a long-term solution to address a long-term problem. In the end, it will cost less in time, potential problems, and money. READ MORE
Do dental implants affect taste?
Generally no. Unless there is a manufacturing problem where gaps or crevices can accumulate plaque and or pieces of food and could lead to a bad taste or odor. Infection in the area or swollen gingiva (gingivitis) or periodontal disease can affect taste. A healthy well positioned dental implants should not influence your taste. READ MORE
How many times can a crown be replaced?
As many times as needed. Dental insurance will cover a crown replacement on the same tooth every 5-7 years. Theoretically that is twelve times over your life time. Well made high quality crowns crafted by a skilled attentive highly trained dentist and produced by a high quality laboratory should protect the supporting tooth longer, possibly 15-20 years. Depending on how it is maintained. Keep in mine not all dentist are the same, some have higher skills than others. Find the most skilled dentist you can. READ MORE
Are antibiotics necessary after dental bone graft?
Usually yes. Unfortunately even when healthy are filled with millions and millions of bacteria, fungi and yeast. They would love nothing more than to infect a bone grafted into a fresh site. Antibiotics will help you fight them off. READ MORE
Can you talk after dental implants?
Yes you should be able to talk comfortably after dental implant surgery. Sometime the numbness from the local anesthetic can affect you tongue but this should not last more than a few hours after surgery. The dental implants themselves should not influence your speech. READ MORE
Can dentures cause gum recession?
Yes. Dentures transmit and incredible amount of pressure to the supporting gum and underlying bone. Over time this causes the gums and bone to shrink and recede . Not only will the denture get looser by the rate of recession will increase over time. Please consider a better alternative like dental implants that preserve your gum and bone levels. READ MORE
Should a filling be replaced with a crown?
Sometimes a filling can be replaced with another filling. As long as the new filling is no wider than 30 % of the width of the tooth. In many instances especially in patients that grind their teeth, increases in crack or fracture lines may increase the need for a crown to cover and protect the remaining tooth structure. Make sure to get a night guard to protect your teeth when you are asleep. READ MORE
How are veneers attached to your teeth?
With a resin adhesive that chemically bonds to your teeth and the porcelain veneer. READ MORE
Are electric toothbrushes better to clean dental crowns?
Yes in pretty much every case an individual will do a better job with an electric tooth brush than a manual one. I know how to clean my teeth and I prefer an electric one because the vibrations will kill bacteria ahead of the tips of the brush. READ MORE
Is it uncomfortable to have crowns placed?
Unsually not at all. The tooth is numbed with an anesthetic (pinch for less than 3 seconds) the whole procedure takes less than 10 minutes. You should not feel a thing during cementation. READ MORE
How much tooth do you need for a crown?
You need at least 30 of the tooth structure above the gum level. If more than that is missing than we need to perform a root canal procedure and place a reinforcing post into the root to help retain the crown. As long as your root is healthy a crown can be fabricated READ MORE
Can veneers make your teeth look straight?
Yes they can but depending on how crooked they are it may be a better long term strategy to use clear aligners to move your teeth into the proper position. You have a life time yet with your teeth make them as healthy as possible. Short time fixes may lead to more costly alternatives long term. READ MORE
When should a crown be replaced?
The crown should be replaced when it is no longer protecting the supporting tooth structure. Crowns have to endure an incredible amount of force and constant attack by bacteria normally found in the mouth. Depending on how you take care of it and its location a crown is expected to last 10-15 years. It is not uncommon for them to need to be replaced after 5 years though. READ MORE
What type of crown lasts the longest?
It depends on how you take care of it, your diet and how you use your teeth. The longest lasting crown is still a solid gold one! Gold happens to have a similar expansion/contraction rate ( modulus of elasticity) as tooth structure. All other materials are much more different. READ MORE
How do I get rid of pain in my crowns?
Pain of the tooth and or gums is always and indication that something is wrong. Rinsing with warm salt water and or hydrogen peroxide will help for a short amount of time put you need to have a dentist evaluate the crown as soon as possible. READ MORE
What is the procedure for restoring a missing tooth?
Even if the visible part of your tooth is broken a dentist can determine if the remaining root is strong enough to hold a new tooth (crown). The first step is an xray and if the root is strong a reinforcing post can be used to replace your broken tooth READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Full Mouth ReconstructionCosmetic DentistryImplant Dentistry

Faculty Titles & Positions

Board of Governors Connecticut State Dental Association - 2017
Director American College of Prosthodontists - 2017
Past President The American College of Prosthodontists, Connecticut Section - 2017
President Bridgeport Dental Association - 2017
Deputy Grand Master Delta Sigma Delta - 2017
Chairman CSDA Ethics Council - 2017