Prosthodontists are experts in the restoration and replacement of teeth – they make smiles look beautiful and function the way they should. After completing four years of dental school, Prosthodontists receive an extra three years of specialized training in an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited graduate program. Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the ADA.
Many like to think of Prosthodontists as the “quarterback” of a dental treatment plan. They regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions for your dental needs.
Replacing Lost Teeth
Loss of natural teeth, whether in an accident or as part of the aging process, can be traumatic and affect your outlook on life. Simple pleasures – like smiling or going out to eat – become a source of stress or embarrassment. With the help of a prosthodontist, there are many options, if you have lost some or all your teeth.
Crowns, bridges, and full or partial dentures are just some of the procedures that can help you regain your smile and improve your appearance and self confidence.
Another option is dental implants, a more permanent solution that has improved greatly over the last ten years, thanks to the pioneering techniques of prosthodontists.
Whether you need to replace one tooth or many, a prosthodontist will work with you through every step of dental implant treatment, from an initial consultation through follow-up care.
Complex Care Management
Prosthodontists are trained to manage the most complex dental restorations. From patients requiring rehabilitation after a traumatic injury to creating new smiles for those born with genetic facial deficits, prosthodontists have the special skills needed to restore smiles to the best they can be.
Cosmetic / Esthetic Dentistry
A healthy smile has a significant impact on self-esteem. If you are like many Americans and are unhappy about the “look” of your smile, you may want to consult a prosthodontist.
With their advanced training, prosthodontists can improve your appearance by fixing broken, discolored or misshapen teeth and associated structures. Some of the procedures that can improve your smile are:
- Placing complete ceramic esthetic crowns or “caps” onto teeth
- Placing veneers onto teeth to conceal defects
- Using bonding technology on a tooth’s surface to change its shape or to close unwanted gaps
- Bleaching discolored teeth to brighten and whiten a smile.
The Benefits of Going to a “PRO”
Did you know that some dentists perform reconstructive dental work after just a weekend course on a procedure? That may be okay, but you should know prosthodontists receive an extra three years of intense, formal training beyond regular dental school.
If you are seeking cosmetic or reconstructive dental work, you should do research before making a decision in order to ensure proper care. As ADA recognized specialists, prosthodontists are qualified to offer care in state-of-the-art procedures and techniques, such as:
- Dental implants
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Complex care management involving multiple specialists
- Complete and removable partial dentures
- Replacing lost teeth
- Special needs of geriatric patients
- Children born with cleft palate or missing teeth
- Temporomandibular joint syndrome/disorder
- Traumatic injuries
- Snoring and sleep disorders
- Maxillofacial prosthetic procedures such as oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care
Rigorous training and experience provide prosthodontists with a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth, and the creation of tooth replacement.
