Choose a Prosthodontist

Dental care has become much more advanced than just the examination and cleaning of teeth. Dentistry, like other fields, has different areas of specialization. There are nine different areas of specialization in dentistry, including periodontics, endodontics, and prosthodontics. In this write-up, we discuss prosthodontics, which is the branch of dentistry associated with the diagnosis and restoration of oral function and appearance by replacing missing teeth and other maxillofacial tissues with artificial substitutes.

What is a Prosthodontist?

As highlighted above, a prosthodontist is a dental specialist who takes care of maxillofacial defects. To become certified as a prosthodontist, a regular dentist, after completing their degree must go through a 3 to 4-year ADA-certified program and then take a certification exam.

A prosthodontist undergoes training to enable them to carry out the diagnosis, replacement, and restoration of maxillofacial features. A prosthodontist designs and installs prosthetics to replace lost or missing teeth, bones, and tissues. Prosthodontists are in the best position to install dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, and others to restore the functional and aesthetic performance of a patient’s maxillofacial features.

Reasons to See a Prosthodontist

You may visit a prosthodontist for a variety of reasons ranging from accidents to birth defects or cosmetic reasons. While a regular dentist may be able to handle your condition, prosthodontists are specially trained to make use of the best equipment and processes. The following are services offered by prosthodontists.

  • Denture implant fit and placement - A prosthodontist will assess the damage to your gums and teeth and recommend the best reparatory or restoratory process for you. Once this is done, the prosthodontist designs the implant to your specific requirements.
  • Jaw, sleep and snoring issues - Problems with the muscles and joints surrounding the jaw, also known as temporomandibular disorders, are taken care of by prosthodontists. These disorders often result in sleep and snoring issues. A prosthodontist can work with you to resolve these issues.
  • Traumatic injury repairs
  • Oral cancer reconstruction - Oral cancer treatment will often include the removal of cancerous tissues from the mouth area. Prosthodontists can design prosthetics to reconstruct and replace the removed tissues using artificial materials.

Why should you choose a prosthodontist over a regular dentist?

The first thing to understand is that, while a prosthodontist and a regular dentist may conduct some of the same treatments, there is a significant difference in their abilities and training. A general dentist mostly works with preventive and routine operations. Cleanings, checkups, cavity fillings, and other common procedures are all possible. A prosthodontist, on the other hand, can do these operations as well as go above and beyond. Prosthodontists are board-certified specialists who conduct more sophisticated procedures such as implants, crowns, dentures, oral surgery, and maxillofacial disorders.

Dentists must complete three to four years of training to become prosthodontists. They receive a certificate after completing their programs, allowing them to conduct a wide range of restoration and replacement treatments. Prosthodontic therapies may also entail maxillofacial tissue restoration and, in certain situations, mouth surgery. Most prosthodontic programs now include instruction in the placement and rehabilitation of dental implants. In most circumstances, prosthodontists do not need to take a separate implantology course to place implants.

A prosthodontist will focus on the "cosmetic" component of the therapy when working on restorations (whether it be a crown, a dental implant, or a simple filling), as it is an important part of prosthodontics. Not only will a professional restoration improve the function of your teeth, but it will also improve the appearance of your teeth. It will also give you a great smile by making your teeth look completely natural in shape, size, and color. As a result of their specialized training, prosthodontists can execute general, cosmetic, and prosthodontic (restorative/reconstructive) treatments with the greatest accuracy and precision.

What to Expect at the Prosthodontist’s Office

Besides visiting a prosthodontist on your own, you may be referred to one by a general dentist. Your visit to the prosthodontist is to resolve issues you have with the functioning and aesthetics of your teeth. Your visit to the prosthodontist will often begin with a discussion of your dental history. You will be asked questions relating to the condition of your teeth and other issues affecting them. Once this is done, a thorough examination of your teeth is carried out. Once this is done, the prosthodontist determines what procedure is the best fit for you.

Common Prosthodontic Procedures

The following are procedures that will require you to employ the services of a prosthodontist.

  • Veneers - Dental veneers are custom installations attached to teeth to restore or improve the aesthetic appearance of deformed teeth. Dental veneers are designed to resemble real teeth as closely as possible. Made from porcelain or resinous materials, dental veneers are used to fix discolored, chipped or broken, and irregular teeth. They can also be used to improve the appearance of crooked teeth and to fill in spaces between teeth.
  • Crowns - Dental crowns are used in situations where dental fillings do not work. They are installations that are attached to the top of damaged teeth. Dental crowns are like hats made of resins, metals, or porcelain that are worn over damaged teeth to restore functional and aesthetic properties. Once dental crowns are installed, they do not require any special care outside regular brushing and flossing.
  • Bridges - As its name implies, a dental bridge is used to close gaps left by the loss of teeth. Dental bridges are false teeth made to replace the lost teeth. Dental bridges are also referred to as pontics and can be made from a variety of materials with porcelain being the most common due to its resemblance to real teeth. Dental bridges are often held in place by fixtures attached to the teeth on both sides although implants are required to hold them in place in some cases.
  • Dental Implants - Dental implants are fitted surgically into the jawbone to act as a replacement root for missing teeth. Dental implants are often made from titanium which allows them to fuse with the jawbone without rejection in a process known as osseointegration. Dental implants are a preferred method of providing support for replacement teeth because they do not place any strain on adjacent teeth and offer great stability.
  • Dentures - Dentures are replacements for missing teeth. Dentures can be either partial or complete with complete dentures used in cases where the patient has lost all their teeth. Partial dentures are used when some of the natural teeth remain. Dentures can be fixed or removable.

Conclusion

We are frequently asked questions about what it takes to be a prosthodontist and why patients should see one at Metropolitan Prosthodontics. Dental specializations exist in the same way that medical specialties do. One of these specialties is prosthodontics, which focuses on tooth replacement. If you have tooth loss, seeing a prosthodontist, such as Dr. Christopher Sasik, rather than a general dentist will generally yield better results because you will be seeing someone with greater education and clinical expertise. With that in mind, we invite you to come to our dentist's office and talk about your tooth replacement options. Contact us today for more information!