When teeth are badly worn, missing, or previous dental treatment has started to fail, the planning involved can be more detailed than a routine dental appointment.
Cases like these may benefit from assessment by a clinician with advanced training in restoring and replacing teeth. This is the work of a prosthodontist.
Australia’s Top Dentists is pleased to feature Melbourne East Prosthodontics, a specialist prosthodontic practice in Kew led by registered Specialist Prosthodontist Dr Kirthi Kosalram. The practice focuses on restorative, implant, cosmetic, and reconstructive dentistry, including cases that require careful planning across function, appearance, and long-term oral health.
What Is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a registered dental specialist who has completed additional full-time university training after a general dental degree.
This training focuses on diagnosing, planning, restoring, and replacing teeth. Prosthodontists commonly manage cases involving worn, damaged, failing, or missing teeth, as well as implant-related treatment, dentures, crowns, bridges, and full mouth rehabilitation.
In Australia, the title Specialist Prosthodontist can only be used by dentists who hold specialist registration in prosthodontics with the Dental Board of Australia.
Many patients see a prosthodontist after referral from their general dentist. Others contact a specialist directly when they want a second opinion or need help understanding their treatment options.
Meet Dr Kirthi Kosalram
Melbourne East Prosthodontics is led by Dr Kirthi Kosalram, a registered Specialist Prosthodontist and principal dentist.
Dr Kosalram graduated in 2000 and later completed her Doctorate in Prosthodontics at the University of Sydney in 2013. She has more than twenty years of clinical experience, with work spanning restorative, cosmetic, implant, aesthetic, and reconstructive dentistry.
She is also active in the wider dental profession. Dr Kosalram holds a Fellowship of the International Team for Implantology, directs the ITI Melbourne Inner East Study Club, and has been appointed the Victorian ITI Education Delegate.
She regularly lectures and runs workshops on fixed prosthodontics, implantology, and cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry. Other dentists may also refer patients to her for an opinion on more involved restorative or implant cases.
Dr Kosalram is a member of professional organisations including the Australian Prosthodontics Society, the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, and the Academy of Australian and New Zealand Prosthodontists.
Alongside her clinical work, she supports the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and helps with oral rehabilitation for patients who require this type of care.
About Melbourne East Prosthodontics
Melbourne East Prosthodontics is a specialist dental practice located at 610/89-93 High Street South, Kew VIC 3101, in the Kew Junction Tower.
The practice sees patients with restorative, implant, cosmetic, and reconstructive dental needs. This may include people with worn teeth, missing teeth, failing dental work, complex bite concerns, or patients seeking a second opinion before beginning treatment.
The clinic is QIP accredited, which means it has been independently assessed against recognised standards for patient safety, infection control, and practice systems.
Melbourne East Prosthodontics also works with experienced dental technicians and maintains close working relationships with surgical and periodontal specialists. This can help support coordinated care when patients need input from more than one dental provider.
The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. It is close to public transport, with the 109, 48, and 24 trams stopping at Kew Junction nearby.
Areas of Specialist Care
Melbourne East Prosthodontics provides a focused range of restorative, implant, cosmetic, and reconstructive treatments. Each treatment plan is based on the patient’s oral health, goals, and clinical needs.
Dental implants
The practice provides implant-related treatment for suitable patients with missing teeth. This may include implant crowns, implant bridges, implant overdentures, and full-arch implant bridge options.
Restorative and reconstructive dentistry
Treatment may include crowns, bridges, full mouth rehabilitation, and management of worn, failing, or heavily restored teeth.
Cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry
The practice offers treatments such as porcelain veneers and teeth whitening. Cosmetic treatment is planned after assessment, with oral health, function, and appearance all considered.
Dentures
Custom denture options are available, including dentures that may be supported by implants where suitable.
Maxillofacial prostheses
The practice provides specialised prostheses for patients affected by cancer, trauma, or other conditions requiring reconstructive care.
Second opinions
Patients can book a second opinion to better understand their condition, treatment options, risks, timing, and likely stages of care before making a decision.
A Considered Approach to Treatment Planning
At Melbourne East Prosthodontics, treatment planning begins with understanding the patient’s concerns, oral health, and goals.
Dr Kosalram and her team take time to assess the whole picture, including the teeth, bite, gums, bone support, facial structure, and existing dental work. This helps guide treatment recommendations and allows patients to understand the options available to them.
Because every case is different, treatment timeframes, costs, and outcomes vary. A consultation is needed before any treatment can be recommended.
The aim is not to provide a one-size-fits-all plan, but to consider function, comfort, appearance, and long-term maintenance as part of the patient’s care.
Referrals and Second Opinions
Many patients are referred to Melbourne East Prosthodontics by their general dentist, especially for restorative, implant, cosmetic, or reconstructive cases that require specialist input.
A referral is not always required. Patients may also contact the practice directly if they would like a specialist opinion, need help understanding treatment options, or want advice before beginning more involved dental care.
For patients already working with a general dentist, Melbourne East Prosthodontics can form part of a broader care team where appropriate.
Visit Melbourne East Prosthodontics
Melbourne East Prosthodontics is located at 610/89-93 High Street South, Kew VIC 3101, at the Kew Junction Tower.
The practice is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Nearby tram routes include the 109, 48, and 24, with stops at Kew Junction.
The practice accepts EFTPOS, credit cards, and HICAPS for private health insurance. Patients can also ask the team about available payment plan options. Any out-of-pocket costs will depend on the treatment plan and health fund coverage.
To learn more about the practice and Dr Kirthi Kosalram, visit the Melbourne East Prosthodontics website or view Dr Kirthi Kosalram’s Australia’s Top Dentists profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a registered dental specialist with additional university training in restoring and replacing teeth. Prosthodontists commonly manage cases involving worn, damaged, missing, or heavily restored teeth, as well as dental implants, dentures, crowns, bridges, and full mouth rehabilitation.
Do I need a referral to see Dr Kosalram?
No. Many patients are referred by their general dentist, but patients can also contact the practice directly for a specialist opinion or to discuss restorative, implant, or reconstructive treatment options.
What does Melbourne East Prosthodontics treat?
The practice manages restorative, implant, cosmetic, and reconstructive dental concerns. This may include worn teeth, failing dental work, missing teeth, dentures, implant-related treatment, maxillofacial prostheses, and second opinions.
Is Melbourne East Prosthodontics accredited?
Yes. Melbourne East Prosthodontics is QIP accredited, which means the practice has been independently assessed against recognised standards for patient safety, infection control, and practice systems.
Where is Melbourne East Prosthodontics located?
The practice is located at 610/89-93 High Street South, Kew VIC 3101, at the Kew Junction Tower.
What payment options are available?
The practice accepts EFTPOS, credit cards, and HICAPS for private health insurance. Patients can ask the team about available payment plan options. Any out-of-pocket costs will depend on the treatment plan and health fund coverage.