Prosthodontists are dental specialists who focus primarily on restoring damaged teeth and replacing missing teeth. From dental crowns to dental bridges, dentures, dental veneers and implants, a prosthodontist will focus on restoring your smile and bite with cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Unlike general dentists, prosthodontists specialize in repairing natural teeth and replacing missing teeth. Missing and extracted (extracted) teeth are replaced by artificial teeth (dentures), dental implants, caps, or crowns.
Specially trained prosthodontists also work with people with head and neck deformities, replacing missing parts of the jaw and face. However, when researching prosthodontists, it may seem that their abilities overlap with those of general dentists and self-styled “cosmetic dentists.” While many other dentists can perform some of these treatments, prosthodontists are the specialists who dedicate themselves to this type of care. Rigorous training and experience give prosthodontists a special understanding of the dynamics of smiling and the preservation of a healthy mouth. Some general dentists also receive additional training in specific procedures; however, a prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has received extensive training and is highly focused on tooth replacement and restoration.
When you need a tooth replacement or oral surgery, consulting and receiving treatment from a prosthodontist ensures that you receive an efficient, high-quality treatment that meets your exact needs and produces beautiful, long-term solutions for your smile. A prosthodontist can then perform oral cancer reconstruction surgery to address any cosmetic problems. If you need extensive dental work to replace damaged or missing teeth, you may be wondering if a prosthodontist or oral surgeon is the right specialist to bring your smile back to optimal health. A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school plus at least three additional years of training and advanced education in a CODA accredited graduate program in prosthodontics.
Prosthodontists can also work on complex cases of cleft palate, on reconstruction due to cancers and other diseases, and on other facial and mandibular procedures. If you have several missing or damaged teeth and you want to restore your smile, a prosthodontist is the best option. A prosthodontist can work with many other dental specialists to make sure you maintain a beautiful smile. Therefore, choosing a prosthodontist means selecting the person with the right education and experience to address your dental needs.
The biggest difference between a prosthodontist and a general dentist is that the prosthodontist is responsible for replacing teeth and restoring oral health and function throughout the mouth. A prosthodontist will first evaluate the current condition of the gums and jaw to determine the best size and shape, and then design one according to those specifications.
