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Have you heard of a prosthodontist but wonder what services they offer and how they could help you? Our Midland dentists provide a few facts on what this specialist does and what type of dental surgery they perform.
What is prosthodontics?
Our teeth can become badly damaged due to disease or trauma, cavities, teeth grinding, restorations that fail, acid exposure/erosion (from disease or diet), or not enough saliva.
While your general dentist may be able to resolve some issues, we may refer you to a prosthodontist for comprehensive treatment and dental surgery if your case is more complex.
Prosthodontics is a specialty and branch of dentistry that involves the diagnosis, treatment planning, restoration and maintenance of a patient’s oral function, appearance, health and comfort.
What is a prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has successfully completed an accredited advanced educational program in prosthodontics.
Prosthodontists are highly skilled individuals that hold a specialty designation from a provincial dental regulatory body. They will have 2 to 3 years of additional training in clinical restorative dental procedures beyond a general dental degree.
A prosthodontist is an expert in diagnosing dental issues, planning treatments and preventing further dental issues. Think of a prosthodontist as an 'oral architect'. They develop treatment plans and ensure treatment sequences are synchronized between medical and dental specialists, as well as general dentists to provide the most comprehensive patient care. With a prosthodontist's services, your natural teeth are restored, and missing teeth or tissues are replaced with artificial substitutes.
While the dentists at Dentistry at Lifestyles can complete restorations, we would send specialized cases to a prosthodontist.
Which procedures does a prosthodontist offer?
A prosthodontist offers a wide range of dental surgery services, such as:
- Implants
- Bridges
- Crowns
- Fillings
- Cosmetic procedures
- Veneers
- Mouth guards
When would you be referred to a prosthodontist?
For patients who have suffered serious damage to their teeth through trauma or as a result of injury or disease, their case may be so advanced that it requires high-quality attention and care from a prosthodontist. These specialists are recognized for their knowledge when anything in your mouth needs to be replaced, from one or two teeth to all teeth and gums in the mouth. Prosthodontists often lead teams of general dentists, specialists and other health professionals to create customized solutions to fulfill your dental needs.
Leveraging their extensive training and experience, prosthodontists have a specialized understanding of the dynamics of your smile and how to preserve your healthy mouth. They can also explain these concepts and answer questions you may have.
You and your dentist may decide you need a prosthodontist because they are trained in specific techniques and procedures that help treat complex oral health conditions. They can help restore your smile's function and appearance.
At Dentistry at Lifestyles, we assess patients and make evaluations on a case-by-case basis and can tell you whether a prosthodontist would be the best dental professional to perform your procedure.