What is a Prosthodontist?
That’s the question we get asked the most. From all the recognized dental specialties prosthodontics seems to be the one that has everyone confused...
It is time to set the record straight and get familiar with this life-changing dental specialty!
Prosthodontics derives from the Greek words prosthesis (addition) and odontas (tooth). Therefore, in essence, it means prosthetic teeth. Individuals who miss one or more teeth, or have broken down teeth, are in need of prosthetic substitutes. There are a number of prosthetics we use to replace what is missing, many of which we are sure you are familiar with, like crowns, veneers, onlays, bridges, dentures, implants, hybrids, and more.
General dentists are trained in the basic prosthetic treatments such as crowns, veneers, dentures and usually are the first line of defense for most patients. However, when your needs are more complex or advanced, then your General Dentist will refer you to a Prosthodontist Specialist to meet your treatment goals. Prosthodontists complete three years of additional training after they receive their general dentistry degree. During those three years, they go through a rigorous program where they become experts from single tooth esthetic replacement to smile makeovers and of course full mouth rehabilitation. Remember - only Prosthodontists are trained through accredited graduate-level programs to diagnose, treatment plan, and complete in a specific sequence a customized extensive treatment like a smile makeover or full mouth rehabilitation.
Think of Prosthodontists as the quarterbacks or architects of your dental treatment. Depending on your needs, sometimes we need to create a team of dental specialists, general dentists, and even medical specialists to provide the best results for you. In those cases, the Prosthodontist is the one who coordinates all other specialists to make sure that everything is done based on the vision you discussed with your Prosthodontist, so at the end you get the esthetics and function you deserve.
Learn more about how the WELNOX Prosthetic Services can change your life; contact us.
