What Is A Prosthodontist?

There are several specialties within the world of dentistry. Each serves a specific role to help with your dental wellness. Prosthodontics is one of those specialties that involves extensive training beyond what most dentists undergo. Just what is prosthodontics? How can it benefit you?  Kind of training does a prosthodontist go through? What is a Prosthodontist?

WHAT IS A PROSTHODONTIST?

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist with a focus on missing teeth and restorations. Trained specifically to meet the needs of those with missing teeth, a prosthodontist provides treatment for a variety of oral health issues.

The prosthodontist will work to resolve concerns that focus on problems with the jaw and the loss of one or more teeth. Those who need dentures or another type of prosthetic tooth will be seen by a prosthodontist.

Prosthodontists work to address both the function and appearance of the gums and teeth. In addition to fixing dental concerns that focus on ensuring patients have a functional bite, prosthodontists ensure teeth look natural.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A PROSTHODONTIST AND GENERAL DENTIST

It can be confusing to understand the different specialties within dentistry. Your general dentist will handle the basic needs of your teeth and gums. The focus will be to keep your gums and teeth healthy and functional. Your prosthodontist will focus on very specific areas of dental restoration. The focus of the prosthodontist is to improve your smile, and the functionality of your bite.

Think of the distinction this way. You see your family doctor for a sinus infection. You see a rheumatologist to help you to get treatments for your arthritis. Both of these medical professionals treat your body. But each focus on a different aspect of your physical health.

The prosthodontist is a specialist, with the same educational background as the general dentist. But also has taken the time to pursue significant continuing education focused on the area of prosthodontics.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Your general dentist will have gone through over eight years of continuing education, beyond high school. To specialize in prosthodontics, a qualified dentist will also need to go through a minimum of 3 years of additional training. Hands-on experience and training will ensure the dental professional is qualified in the reconstruction of missing teeth.

This type of training and experience equips the prosthodontist with the know-how to meet the needs of patients missing teeth. Prosthodontists are highly trained and highly skilled. They will be able to perform complex procedures; with the know-how they need.

In addition, they must routinely go through continuing education courses that will keep them up-to-date on the latest advancements in their field. Board certified prosthodontists will also need to undergo relicensing periodically. This will help to keep their skills fresh and sharp.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A PROSTHODONTIST?

It can be easy to think that you don’t truly need the talents and experience of a prosthodontist. Some general dentists do offer similar treatments, that may work to meet your needs. The reality is it is important to ensure that you are treated by those best qualified to address your needs. So, just why should you work with a prosthodontist?

Prosthodontists have completed advanced training allowing them to focus on their area of expertise. These extra three years of education, on top of dental training, are important. The extensive training will be completed at an accredited prosthodontic graduate program. Which should instill in you the knowledge that your prosthodontist is highly skilled and knowledgeable.

The intense graduate program will provide a focus entirely on prosthodontics. It provides dentists with extensive clinical experience prior to graduation. The hands-on clinical experience will include training with dental implants, bridges, dentures and veneers.

The prosthodontist will have the skills and experience to give you the best in aesthetic results. Whether implants or dentures, this is an important part of ensuring a natural look.

Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Prosthodontists are trained and equipped. With the skills needed to restore smiles. They will help to maintain patient dental wellness, and keep teeth looking and working well.

WHAT SERVICES DO PROSTHODONTISTS OFFER?

A qualified prosthodontist will offer a focus on the reconstruction and replacement of teeth that are damaged or missing. There are several types of dental concerns that could fall into this category.

 

• Those teeth that have been dislodged.  Extracted due to advanced decay
• Teeth that have broken. Due to advanced decay or injury
• Teeth that display decay. Can be so severe that they cannot be restored with root canal therapy
• Congenital birth defects. That have impacted oral functionality and aesthetics
• Damage to teeth. That has resulted from the treatment of oral cancer
• Pain that results from temporomandibular joint dysfunction
• Disorders related to oral and maxillofacial tissues

 

The treatments offered will vary by patient. And by factors that are unique to each patient. Some of these could include the following.

The replacement of lost natural teeth with one or more solutions. Whether due to trauma or decay. Lost teeth can cause distress. They can also alter the way that you speak. The way you eat and enjoy life. Prosthodontists can replace lost teeth with dental implants and bridges that look incredibly natural. Conventional dentures and all-on-four implant supported dentures. Are options available to patients who are good candidates for them.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Which include a surgically implanted titanium post. Can restore a lost tooth. A crown is placed on top of the implant to complete the natural look. Some patients opt to replace just one missing tooth with an implant. Others with extensive tooth loss will wish to replace all of their natural teeth.

CROWNS

Can also be used to bolster the strength and the appearance of the tooth. Veneers are another cosmetic solution. That can help to mask minor defects. While improving aesthetics.

 

Restoring your smile is easy. With the experience and knowledge offered by a prosthodontist. Ensure that you get the results that you deserve. With a professional who is passionate about their area of focus. Call or Contact us today!