Top 5 Reasons to See a Prosthodontist

There are so many different types of oral care professionals out there, so trying to figure out what type of professional to see for a specific oral issue can be challenging. Many dental patients find themselves especially confused regarding the work that prosthodontists do. Unlike other dental professionals that often perform a wide variety of dental treatments, prosthodontists are highly specialized in teeth restoration and aesthetic improvement.

Here are the top five reasons why you should consider making an appointment with a prosthodontist:

1. Missing Teeth

Teeth can fall out for any number of reasons, including sports accidents, periodontal disease and old age. Prosthodontists are experts at tooth replacement and can offer a variety of solutions for missing teeth, including:

  • Implants
  • Bridges
  • Full dentures
  • Partial dentures

If you are currently missing one or multiple teeth, you should schedule an appointment with a prosthodontist and find out what it will take to restore your smile to its original beauty.

2. Complicated Aesthetic Needs

When you need intricate teeth restoration procedures due to worn or damaged teeth, you may want to seek advice from a prosthodontist. While other oral professionals may be able to help solve simple aesthetic problems, a prosthodontist has the tools and the skills necessary to perform more intricate procedures.

3. Congenital Oral Conditions

An experienced prosthodontist can offer extensive facial reconstruction for congenital oral conditions such as cleft palate and other issues that affect the function and appearance of the mouth.

4. Correction of Jaw Problems

Certain jaw joint problems may be corrected with the help of a prosthodontist. TMJ, TMD and other issues may require corrective procedures that only prosthodontists are able to perform.

5. Complete Oral Reconstruction

In some cases, complete oral reconstruction may be required in order to improve both the appearance and function of your smile. Although uncommon, oral reconstruction may be needed after oral cancer treatments or traumatic facial injuries.

If you would like to improve the appearance and functionality of your smile, try scheduling a consultation with a prosthodontist and find out what treatment options they recommend for you.

What is Prosthodontics?

There are many different specialties under the umbrella of oral care professionals. Everyone has heard of dentists and orthodontists, but there are others out there. One branch of oral care you may not be familiar with is prosthodontics. In fact, so few people understand what these professionals do that there is a whole prosthodontics awareness week in April. What type of work do they do? How do they help people?

Experts in Replacing Teeth

When teeth are lost due to injury, accident, or removal, your regular dentist may send you to a prosthodontist. Prosthodontists specialize in the replacement of lost or removed adult teeth. Whether you need a crown, bridge or dentures, either full or partial, look no further than a prosthodontist. They have special training that allows them to create and implement these important and common pieces of dental technology in order for their patients to live comfortably with their teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is oral care that is not medically necessary, but instead is related to enhancing the look of your teeth. Looking to get ceramic crowns or veneers? Want a brighter, whiter smile? Prosthodontists can help with that, as well. They often have advanced training that allows them to handle any type of cosmetic dentistry, including using bonding agents to close gaps and fill cracks or divots in a tooth.

Complex Cases

Sometimes, an injury is so severe that it cannot be fixed by a traditional dentist. That is when they send you to a prosthodontist. These dental professionals are capable of repairing damaged palates, rehabilitating victims of traumatic injuries and reconstruction for people who have survived oral cancers. In order to make sure their patients are fully treated, prosthodontists also help to manage the care for these patients across multiple medical and dental professionals.

Prosthodontics is an incredible dental specialty that is particularly concerned with replacing lost teeth, providing cosmetic changes and dealing with complex or traumatic cases. This branch of dentistry is incredibly beneficial to many people who have had injuries or need some kind of oral reconstruction.