They specialize in the treatment and management of dental and facial problems that involve the restoration of missing dental and mandibular structures. Prosthodontists specialize in the proper fit and placement of crowns, bridges, and solid or removable dentures. 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. The “prosthesis” in prosthodontist means “replacement” and “dontist” refers to teeth.
According to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing missing teeth and oral structures with natural, functional replacements. Prosthodontists restore oral function with dental restorations, such as crowns, implants, or veneers. They also treat TMJ disorder and several snoring disorders. In addition to restoring oral function, prosthodontists also specialize in cosmetic dentistry, including procedures such as veneers and smile makeovers.
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. The biggest difference between a dentist and a prosthodontist usually comes down to the principle that the primary goal of the dentist is to repair teeth and ensure that they remain healthy, and the primary goal of the prosthodontist is to replace teeth and ensure proper oral function for the entire mouth. Prosthodontists also specialize in cosmetic dentistry, which has been on the rise in recent years.
Unlike general dentists, prosthodontists specialize in repairing natural teeth and replacing missing teeth. The truth is, although a prosthodontist and a general dentist sometimes perform the same procedures, there is a big difference in what they can do, as well as in their training. A prosthodontist has extensive training in various restorative procedures, such as bonding, bridges, complete oral reconstruction, bone grafting, and more. If you have a complex oral health problem, such as missing teeth or jaw problems, your dentist may recommend that you see a prosthodontist.
If you've already suffered from tooth loss or have any other condition for which you need to see a prosthodontist, thankfully, these specialists have the skills and a wide range of experience to effectively treat complex dental problems. Finally, to become a prosthodontist, you must complete residency training immediately after graduating from dental school and successfully complete the NBD exam. Most general dentists can also place crowns, replace teeth and insert implants, but prosthodontists are considered to have a higher level of experience because of their additional training. Prosthodontists are dentists who have received 3 years of additional specialized training to perform more complex procedures to restore and replace teeth.
Be prepared to talk to your prosthodontist about your dental history and anything that has affected the current condition of your teeth. Among the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, a prosthodontist focuses on repairing damaged teeth or replacing missing teeth with artificial devices such as dental implants, dentures, crowns, bridges and veneers. Becoming a prosthodontist involves three additional years of study after earning a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree. Prosthodontists also specialize in cosmetic dentistry, which has gained popularity in recent years.
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