Within the field of dentistry there are specialties that are geared towards certain aspects of oral health. One such dental specialty is prosthodontics, which focuses on dental prostheses (artificial teeth). While many general dentists can provide restorative services, a prosthodontist has an advanced level of expertise in creating and placing dental prosthetics.
If you’re in need of significant dental restoration, either to repair or replace teeth, a prosthodontist can provide a natural looking and functioning prosthetic. Learn more about what a prosthodontist can do for you.
Understanding the Role of a Prosthodontist
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the creation and placement of crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants. This field of dentistry requires precision and careful attention to detail to create lasting dental restorations that give patients a natural smile.
What Does it Take to Become a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist must complete additional education and training after earning their dental degree in order to gain certification in the field of prosthodontics. An additional 3 years of training through a prosthodontic residency program is required to earn the certification. This experience gives them a higher level of expertise in creating dental prosthetics, resulting in better outcomes for patients in need of dental restoration.
Services Provided by a Prosthodontist
- Crowns. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that has been damaged beyond what a filling can repair. It is designed to match the size, shape, and color of the existing tooth for a natural appearance. The root of the tooth stays in place for support and the crown protects the remaining tooth material.
- Bridges. A dental bridge is a tooth-replacement option that uses the healthy teeth for support. Crowns fit over the teeth on each side of the gap to provide support for one or more pontics (artificial teeth). A bridge can replace one or a few teeth in a row.
- Dentures. When many or all of the teeth need to be replaced, dentures offer a viable solution. Partial dentures can replace a few teeth using the remaining teeth for support. Full dentures attach the gums via suction or adhesives.
- Dental Implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed directly in the jaw bone. One implant can support a crown to replace a single tooth. Two or more implants can support a bridge or dentures.
When Should You See a Prosthodontist?
If you have one or more missing, damaged, or decayed teeth, you should see a prosthodontist. Whether you need a crown to save a cracked tooth, a bridge or dental implant to replace a tooth, or dentures to fully restore your smile, a prosthodontist is the best dental specialist to provide these types of treatments.
Why Choose Premier Dental Implants?
At Premier Dental Implants we specialize in prosthodontics, providing natural looking and functioning replacement teeth. Our experience and expertise allows us to deliver quality results for every patient, restoring confidence and quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about what our prosthodontic services can do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prosthodontics
Does insurance cover prosthodontics?
Insurance coverage for prosthodontics depends on a few factors, such as the type of restoration and the details of your plan. Contact your provider for specific information about coverage for prosthodontic services.
Why see a prosthodontist?
It may be in your best interest to see a prosthodontist if you have a complex case. A prosthodontist can create a treatment plan that will meet your specific needs with a higher chance of immediate and long term success. Any patient in need of dental restoration can benefit from the expertise of a prosthodontist.
Premier Dental Implants provides quality prosthodontic services for patients in Tampa, FL and the surrounding communities. Our expertise in dental implants and other options for repairing and replacing teeth allows us to create personalized solutions for natural smiles. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation.