What is a Prosthodontist? A prosthodontist is a dentist
who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth.
Prosthodontists complete two to three years of graduate education after
dental school, in a program accredited and recognized by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA).
What dental procedures does a Prosthodontist perform? Prosthodontists are experts in
dental rehabilitation. They utilize crowns, bridges, veneers, removable
partial dentures, dentures and dental implants to restore function,
comfort and esthetics.
Is a Prosthodontist different from a "cosmetic dentist"? The American Dental Association
does not include "cosmetic dentistry" as a specialty. Prosthodontists
receive extensive education and experience in dental esthetics and
function during their graduate programs. Cosmetic seminars are usually
limited to weekend or possibly weeklong courses.
Will the Prosthodontist complete all of my required treatment? Prosthodontists can be viewed as
"architects" of your dental treatment. They have the vision of your
final outcome, both the esthetics of your smile and the improved
function of your bite. Often other dental specialists participate in
treatment to help establish a solid foundation for your restorations.
Every prosthodontist develops a treatment plan customized for each
individual patient, and determine if treatment from additional
specialists are necessary.
Are you missing one or more teeth? Tooth loss creates esthetic and
functional problems. Unwanted changes in your chewing ability and in
your facial appearance affect your confidence and self-esteem. A
prosthodontist is the dental specialist uniquely qualified to restore
the appearance of your smile and help you regain optimum function of
your teeth.
Many factors contribute to
missing teeth - some people are born without certain teeth, and some
lose teeth because of disease, injury, and wear from clenching or
grinding. Depending on the number of missing teeth, the condition of
the remaining teeth and your desires, teeth may be replaced by
implant-supported crowns/bridges, conventional fixed bridges or
removable partial dentures - only a specialist knows for sure.
Are you interested in dental implants? In the past three decades the
use of dental implants has progressed from the extreme to the
conservative. Initially implants were used only in patients missing all
of their teeth. Now implants are used for replacement of a single tooth,
multiple teeth or an entire arch of teeth with a high degree of
success. Depending on the condition of your mouth and your desires, a
prosthodontist can recommend the type of treatment right for you.
Do you wear dentures? When dealing with extensive
decay and/or periodontal (gum) disease, many people must resort to
dentures to replace their natural teeth. Over time, the jawbone shrinks,
and successfully wearing dentures becomes more and more of a challenge.
Using skills and techniques based on research and experience, a
prosthodontist possesses the ability to provide the best possible
custom-fitted dentures. Your prosthodontist may recommend dental
implants to stabilize the denture and prevent your jawbone from
excessive shrinking.
Do you want to improve your smile? The concepts and rules dictating
the development of a pleasing smile were determined by prosthodontists
almost a century ago. Prosthodontists receive extensive training in the
correction of esthetic imbalances of a smile during their specialty
training programs. Doesn't your smile deserve a specialist's care?