Prosthodontics is a field of dental care that specializes in restoration. Specifically, a prosthodontist works to fix problems related to tooth loss or jaw problems. You would see a prosthodontist if you needed a dental prosthesis or if you had a prosthetic tooth inserted in a place where you lost a tooth. The term “prosthesis” means replacement and “doncist” means treating teeth.
Basically, prosthodontists are THE recognized experts when you need to replace anything in your mouth. This can range from a single tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth and gums in your mouth. While many other dentists can perform some of these treatments, prosthodontists are the specialists who dedicate themselves to this type of care. If your teeth need major repairs, you may consider seeing a prosthodontist instead of a general dentist.
Prosthodontists specialize in repairing and improving teeth with prostheses (synthetic items such as crowns, bridges, and dentures). In other words, general dentists tend to refer cases of prosthodontics where they can't or don't want to. The referral process to see a prosthodontist is very similar to getting a referral to any other type of doctor or medical professional. If you think you need a prosthodontist to help restore your smile, here's what you'll need to do to get a referral.
A first-time referral of a patient to the office of a prosthodontist, such as Specialized Dentistry of New Jersey, can begin with a simple phone call to introduce the patient. Thanks to the specialized training, experience and equipment of prosthodontists, general dentists often refer patients when they need to replace missing teeth.