Prosthodontists are highly trained dental specialists who specialize in complex restorative and cosmetic treatments. They handle a variety of cases, including jaw surgery, dentures, implants, veneers, crowns, bridges, and more. Unlike general dentists, prosthodontists are experts in repairing natural teeth and replacing missing teeth. To become a prosthodontist, one must complete an additional three years of advanced training after earning a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree.
Prosthodontists are also knowledgeable in whitening and bonding techniques, color matching, using veneers to reshape teeth and improve appearance, and the precise fabrication and placement of fixed prostheses such as crowns and bridges. Prosthodontists can replace or restore a single tooth, several teeth, and also damaged gum and jaw tissue. They also diagnose and treat patients with fillings, dentures, crowns, veneers, implants, bridges, splints, night guards, and cosmetic procedures. In addition to these services, prosthodontists can also work with people with head and neck deformities to replace missing parts of the jaw and face.
Oral implant dentistry has seen notable advances due to the services provided by prosthodontists. They can perform oral cancer reconstruction surgery to address any cosmetic problem. Prosthodontists also work closely with dental technicians to ensure that each custom-made prosthesis looks good and feels comfortable for the patient. When it comes to complex dental cases such as jaw surgery, partial dentures, full dentures, implants, and more, it is best to consult a prosthodontist. General dentists may refer you to a prosthodontist for certain procedures for which they are not trained.
Be prepared to talk to your prosthodontist about your dental history and anything that has affected the current condition of your teeth.
