When we all have minor dental problems, we go to our family dentist, that is, the dentist, for things like tooth extraction or filling, right? But sometimes, more complex problems can arise with our teeth, jaws, or mouth. Imagine, when several teeth are damaged in an accident, when we need to replace a missing tooth with a new one, or when we want to make our smile more beautiful... A Prosthodontist is a specialist dentist who can help us in such special cases. Let's talk about this specialist today.
Who exactly is a Prosthodontist?
Simply put, a Prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has received special training in restoring damaged or missing teeth and facial parts using prosthetics. Just as we see a specialist for any other disease in our body, this is the specialist for complex problems related to the teeth and mouth.
These people are highly trained in dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and jaw disorders. They also have a deep understanding of the field of cosmetic dentistry, which is the art of beautifying smiles.
What is the difference between a regular dentist and a Prosthodontist?
This is a problem that many people have. Imagine, if a water tap in our house breaks, a plumber can fix it. But if we want to design the entire house and build it from the ground up, we need an engineer and an architect, right? That's the difference.
- General Dentist: Treats daily dental health problems such as teeth cleaning, fillings, and routine tooth extractions.
- Prosthodontist: They use their expertise to restore and replace teeth. This means replacing missing teeth, rebuilding broken teeth, and even reconstructing entire dentures.
Going even further, some prosthodontists work with people with head and neck deformities. For example, they can reconstruct a part of a jaw that has been lost due to cancer or an accident.
How much effort do you have to put in to acquire this expertise?
Becoming a prosthodontist is not an easy journey. It requires a lot of dedication and education.
Typically, a dentist must complete a basic degree and dental school. Then, to become a Prosthodontist, they must complete an additional three years of specialist training. During this time, they learn in-depth about the latest technology in tooth restoration, complex procedures, and the dynamics of patients’ faces and smiles. Only after passing a rigorous exam at the end of this training do they qualify to work as a Prosthodontist.
In what situations should you see a prosthodontist?
If you have a complex problem that is difficult for a regular dentist to solve, you can seek the help of a Prosthodontist. Let's learn more about some of these situations in the table below.
| Problem / Service | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Implants & Dentures | To replace missing teeth with dentures, crowns, bridges, or dental implants that are precisely designed and fitted to fit you perfectly. |
| Jaw, sleep, and snoring problems | To treat pain and problems related to the jaw joint, or in medical terms, Temporomandibular problems or TMJ. These include problems such as a clicking sound when opening the mouth, eating, and jaw clenching. They also help with some sleep problems such as snoring. |
| Repairing damage caused by an accident | To restore a natural appearance by repairing severe damage to the mouth, teeth, or face caused by a fall, sports accident, or other accident. |
| Reconstruction after oral cancer | After surgery for oral cancer to remove the cancer cells, reconstructive surgery is required to avoid the resulting changes in appearance and functional problems. |
| Cosmetic Dentistry | If you are not satisfied with the appearance of your smile, they are experts at changing the shape, color, or position of your teeth to give you the beautiful smile you want. |
What to expect when you visit a prosthodontist?
You will usually be referred to a Prosthodontist by your dentist. This appointment is a little different than a regular dental checkup.
First, you will have a thorough discussion about your medical history and problem. Your doctor will ask you a lot of questions. What happened to your teeth in the past, what problems you have now, and what your expectations are. Then, they will do a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, jaw, and gums. They may also need to take X-rays or other scans.
The important thing is that this treatment process is not something that can be completed in one day. Especially with something like a dental implant, it takes a while to get the best and most permanent results, and you need to go through a multi-step plan.
The doctor will discuss with you the best solution for your problem and create a treatment plan. He will explain everything to you, including the time it will take and the cost.
Take-Home Message
- A Prosthodontist is a specialist dentist who treats complex problems related to the teeth, jaws, and mouth.
- Their main job is to make and install dental implants, dentures, and crowns to replace missing teeth.
- You can seek their help if you have damaged your teeth in an accident, have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, or want to make your smile more beautiful.
- Ask your general dentist if you need such specialist help. If necessary, he or she will refer you to a Prosthodontist.
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