What is Prosthodontic Dental Care?

Prosthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on restoring and replacing lost or damaged teeth. Prosthodontists are highly trained specialists who understand the elements involved in creating a beautiful, functional, and natural-looking smile. They can provide a wide range of services, from creating custom-made dentures and crowns to treating sleep apnea, snoring, cleft palate disorders, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). They can also screen for oral cancer and replace or restore a single tooth, several teeth, or damaged gum and jaw tissue.

In addition, maxillofacial prosthodontists can treat patients with defects or disabilities that were present at birth or developed due to illness or trauma. Removable dentures are one of the most common examples of prosthodontic dental care. Partial dentures and full dentures can be inserted and removed from the mouth. Dental implants can also be used to support the crowns of the back teeth (premolars and molars) and to support a full lower denture. Prosthodontists may work with a periodontist to treat the underlying cause of tooth loss and stop gum decay. When it comes to planning and carrying out a large scale smile makeover, a team of dental professionals is often required; often, that team is led by a prosthodontist.

Prosthodontists receive three years of additional full-time residency training after dental school in order to restore the optimal appearance and function of their smile. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, a prosthodontist must graduate from dental school and then complete three or four additional years of rigorous specialized training. You will likely be referred to a prosthodontist if your case is complex or if they need to coordinate treatment. Under the care and control of a prosthodontist, patients can be sure that their final results will be perfectly balanced, comfortable, beautiful, and functional. Learn more about prosthodontic dental care and search for a board-certified prosthodontist on the American Board of Prosthodontists website.