There are many differences between a prosthodontist and a general dentist, but the biggest difference is that the former deals with replacing or extracting teeth, essentially anything that needs to be replaced in the mouth. Prosthodontists are dental specialists who are primarily focused on restoring damaged teeth and replacing missing teeth. From dental crowns to dental bridges, dentures, veneers, dental and implants, a prosthodontist will focus on restoring your smile and bite with restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Maintaining a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile involves several components.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing every day. It is also recommended that teeth be professionally cleaned and examined every six months. While proper mouth care is essential to reduce the risk of oral health complications, problems can sometimes arise. When a problem occurs, such as damage or loss of teeth, a specialist is needed.
At Florida Prosthodontics, we specialize in prosthodontics and can help restore both the health and appearance of your smile. Patients need extractions in extreme cases where a tooth is severely damaged or where there is periodontal (gum) disease. Extractions may also be needed when preparing the mouth for restorative treatments, such as implants or dentures, for example. Tooth extraction can be performed by a dentist, oral surgeon, or prosthodontist.
It is a relatively quick procedure that is performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient may also need general numbness at the site or may require intravenous sedation. Extracting visible teeth is usually an easy extraction. Teeth that are cracked, broken, or impacted could be a much more complicated procedure.
Prosthodontists have a DDS or DMD and are qualified dentists, and also undergo an additional three years of residency and training through an ADA-accredited graduate program. The American College of Prosthodontists clearly explains their goal when they state that they promote the “advanced study and practice of implant, aesthetic and reconstructive dentistry”. Basically, a prosthodontist is a specialist who designs, manufactures and adapts any type of restorative prosthesis for patients with damaged or missing teeth. If you have several missing or damaged teeth and you want to restore your smile, a prosthodontist is the best option.
The first thing to know is that while it is true that 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. There are also many things to consider between a general dentist and a prosthodontist and know the difference. Because there is a potential for complications, it is recommended that the removal be performed by an oral surgeon or prosthodontist. Thanks to these innovations and their highly qualified training, prosthodontists can make your smile look perfectly natural and functional.
A prosthodontist can perform any routine and preventive procedure, such as checkups, fillings, and dental cleanings. Therefore, from dental implants, bridges and crowns to dentures and veneers, prosthodontists have the expertise needed to develop a treatment plan to restore the patient's mouth in the most functional and aesthetic way. When working on restorations (whether it's a crown, dental implant, or simple filling), a prosthodontist will also focus on the “cosmetic aspect” of treatment, as it is an essential part of prosthodontics. Therefore, in most cases, prosthodontists do not need to take a separate course in implantology to make implants.
As an expert in this field I can tell you that this is your area of expertise so you can be sure that you will get fantastic results with prosthodontists who have received specific professional training for at least three years to place dental implants (and any other method of tooth replacement).
