A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on restoring aesthetics, functionality, comfort, and health of a patient’s mouth with artificial materials. Their main focus is to replace missing or damaged teeth.Creative Commons
How does a prosthodontist compare to other dental specialists?
Prosthodontists complete 3-4 years of additional training after completing dental school. Their education is centred around restorative procedures.
They cater mainly to elderly patients, as well as children and adults who have suffered tooth loss. Prosthodontists’ services also include emergency dental care, such as adjustments and repairs of prostheses.
What is prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is one of the 9 dental specialties recognized by the ADA.This branch of dentistry includes diagnosing, planning, and treating tooth loss. Prosthodontists replace missing teeth as well as help restore soft and hard tissues within the mouth.
Prostheses are made with biocompatible materials to ensure patient safety and comfort. Below you can find the most popular methods as well as other procedures performed by prosthodontists.
Implants are considered the best tooth restoration. This is because they are long-lasting and provide the most functionality. Prosthodontists may extract damaged teeth and insert titanium rods. Crowns are mounted on them, making the smile as good as new.
The downsides of implants include their high price and the duration of the process. If bone augmentation procedures are necessary, you may be referred to an oral surgeon. The phases of treatment and recovery can take up to 2 years. During the healing phase you might have a temporary.
Dental bridges are similar to dental crowns. The main difference is that they restore multiple neighboring teeth. The most common materials are metals and porcelain. The process is similar to that of a crown. Impressions must be taken and it can last several appointments.
There are four main types of bridges. Thos include traditional, Cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported. The first three are differentiated by how many adjacent teeth they are attached to.
Crowns are tooth caps placed on the remainder of the tooth or dental implants. Impressions must be taken in order to fit the shape and size to the surrounding and opposing dentition. The possible materials include composite, metals, and porcelain.
Dental crowns are irreversible solutions that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. It takes a few visits to make one. Tooth crown costs can be quite steep, especially if you go for the more high-end type of material.
Sometimes teeth are so badly damaged they are removed before a denture is fitted. Nonetheless, the process takes a few weeks if not months. Dental impressions must be taken followed by at least two adjustment appointments. After that, dentures need to be regularly relined.
Maxillofacial prosthodontics deals with disorders and diseases of the mouth which may be inborn.
These procedures involve treating TMD as well as defects of the hard and soft palate and the jaws. Prosthodontists make appliances such as palatal obturators in order to improve speech and breathing functions.
Such prostheses often replace missing bone or tissue. While such issues are rare, solutions must be provided. If a patient struggles with any of the above they may be in immediate danger of suffocation.
Find a prosthodontist near you
Tooth restoration is precise and highly customized work. It’s important to find the right specialist to do the job. Prosthodontics are an investment for years to come, don’t trust just anyone with your health and money.
Authority Dental can help. Check out our free matching service and find the best dentist near you. Your budget and insurance plan will be taken into account. We’ll even book your appointment.
How do I know whether my prosthodontist is board-certified?
The American College of Prosthodontists has a search engine patients can use to ensure a prosthodontist is board-certified. Any practicing prosthodontist must pass an examination established by the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP). The certification must be renewed every 8 years.
How many years do you have to go to college to be a prosthodontist?
Prosthodontists must pass a bachelor's degree, complete medical school, and attend specialist training. Altogether, this process can take as much as 12 years.
What are the branches of prosthodontics?
There are four branches of prosthodontics. Those include fixed prosthodontics, removable prosthodontics, implant prosthodontics, and maxillofacial prosthodontics.
Does a prosthodontist pull teeth?
A prosthodontist may remove teeth if the restoration treatment requires it.