Frequently Asked Questions
A Prosthodontist is a dentist recognized by the American Dental Association as a specialist in restoring and replacing teeth. With additional education and training through an ADA approved residency program, Prosthodontists have the capability to provide excellent comprehensive treatment with crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants and other aesthetic and restorative procedures.
- You are missing one or more teeth
- You are interested in dental implants
- You wear dentures or removable partial dentures
- You want to improve the aesthetics of your smile
Yes. The concepts and rules dictating the development of a pleasing smile were determined by Prosthodontists almost a century ago in order to make dentures appear more natural. Prosthodontists learn these concepts by reviewing the literature in seminars and treating patients during their training programs. Although there are many references to “cosmetic dentists” in commercially published materials, the American Dental Association does not recognize “cosmetic dentists” as a specialty.
Yes. The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, and the ADA does not include “cosmetic dentist” as a specialty. Prosthodontists receive extensive training and experience in dental aesthetics and cosmetics during their graduate programs which currently last five years.
Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Graduate programs in Prosthodontics include classroom lectures and seminars, laboratory and clinical training in aesthetics/cosmetics, crowns, fixed bridges, veneers, inlays, complete and removable partial dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures, congenital or birth anomalies to teeth, and oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care.
A Prosthodontist is dedicated to the highest standards of care in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists are the experts in dental rehabilitation and have mastered many procedures including fixed, removable and implant Prosthodontics, dentures, and dental implants. Fixed Prosthodontics deals with substitutes which are not readily removed from the mouth, while removable Prosthodontics deals with substitutes that are removable from the mouth. Implant Prosthodontics pertain to replacement of missing teeth and / or associated structures by restorations that are attached to dental implants.
The Prosthodontist is best viewed as the “architect” of your dental project. S/he has the vision of your final outcome, both the aesthetics of your smile and the improved function of your bite. Often other dental specialists may participate in your treatment to help establish a solid foundation for your restorations. Every Prosthodontist develops a treatment plan customized for each individual patient, and they will determine if adjunctive procedures by another doctor are necessary.