Prosthodontists are specialized dentists who are trained to treat and manage dental and facial problems that involve the restoration of missing dental and jaw structures. They are experts in the proper fit and placement of crowns, bridges, and solid or removable dentures. A prosthodontist will first assess the current condition of the gums and jaw to determine the best size and shape, and then design one according to those specifications. A crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the entire visible surface of a tooth above the gum line.
It is usually made of metal, metal-fused porcelain, ceramic, or even zirconium. Crowns fit onto the top of a prepared tooth with intact roots and are commonly used after a root canal procedure or to restore damage caused by trauma or tooth decay. Most dentists will take an impression of your tooth and send the information to a professional laboratory to create your personalized crown. With the rapid advancement of technology, some dental offices are now able to offer same-day crowns manufactured directly in your office, so you don't have to wait two weeks for the lab to send the crown to the dentist.
To become a prosthodontist, dentists must complete three years of specialized training after dental school. Prosthodontists not only replace and repair lost or damaged teeth, they also screen patients for oral cancer and diagnose and treat certain joint disorders. Prosthodontics is a field of dental care that specializes in restorative care. A prosthodontist works with solutions for problems related to tooth loss or jaw problems.
You would see a prosthodontist if you needed a denture or if a prosthetic tooth was inserted in a place where you lost a tooth. Prosthodontists also specialize in cosmetic dentistry, which has been on the rise in recent years. Prosthodontists have advanced training in the field of aesthetic restoration and tooth replacement. Although many traditional dentists can also provide these services, prosthodontists are extensively trained in cutting-edge techniques and procedures to treat complex dental conditions. Prosthodontists also help with cleft palate, snoring disorders, and sleep apnea, in addition to treating oral injuries. When you have suffered damage to your teeth due to trauma, tooth decay, or other factors, a prosthodontist works to restore the appearance and function of those teeth.
They create dental implants that consist of a titanium post and a false tooth. After earning one of these degrees, a dentist attends another three years of studies accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) for prosthodontics. Specially trained prosthodontists also work with people with head and neck deformities, replacing missing parts of the jaw and face.
