A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in restoring and replacing missing teeth. They deal with complex dental issues such as jaw disorders, gum disease, and severe tooth loss.
Prosthodontists have specialized training. In addition to dental school, a prosthodontist must undergo three years of special training in areas such as maxillofacial prosthetics. This equips prosthodontists to deal with complex dental issues that are outside the scope of general dentistry. If you need major dental surgery requiring artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth, you should consider visiting a prosthodontist.
The dental prostheses used by prosthodontists include dental implants, crowns, dentures, bridges, and others. Some dental prostheses can be removed, and others are fixed permanently in the mouth.
Why should you choose a prosthodontist?
If you require a dental prosthesis, a prosthodontist offers the advanced training and education necessary to fit you with the best device for your individual needs. While general dentists can often provide solutions for tooth replacement, such as implants and dentures, prosthodontists have more advanced training to address complex dental issues.
The following are some of the treatments that prosthodontists specialize in.
Tooth replacement
A prosthodontist has extensive knowledge of the fit of implants, bridges, crowns, and dentures. All of these tooth replacement options can be created with the same size, shape, and color as your regular teeth, making them virtually undetectable by others. Prosthodontists can also help ensure that your artificial teeth fit properly so that your ability to speak and chew is not negatively affected by your device.
Snoring or sleep disorders
If you are suffering from sleep or snoring disorders, a prosthodontist can be of great help. These disorders are often associated with the muscles joints around the jaw. Prosthodontists can provide you with a device to wear at night that helps open the airway, preventing snoring and improving sleep quality.
Traumatic facial injuries
Prosthodontists can treat traumatic injuries on the face, teeth, and mouth. Depending on the extent of your injuries, this may require jaw reconstruction, bone grafting, dental implants, and other approaches.
How to choose a prosthodontist
If you are seeking a prosthodontist, be sure to check for registration with the American Board of Prosthodontics. Our directory of pain-free certified dentists includes prosthodontists who are skilled in dental prosthetics, tooth replacement, and maxillofacial surgery. Visit our directory to find a prosthodontist near you.
