Do you have a tooth that was damaged in an accident? Is there a gap in your smile that you want to fill? These are the sorts of problems that a prosthodontist can help you with so that you can once again enjoy a confident, fully functional grin. What exactly is a prosthodontist, and why is it worth seeing one? Here’s what you need to know before you make any decisions about restoring your smile.
What is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a type of dental specialist who focuses on helping patients with damaged or missing teeth. Becoming a prosthodontist requires an initial four years of dental school (the same as what’s required to become a general dentist) followed by at least three more years of advanced training.
Prosthodontists are trained to offer a wide range of treatments, including dental implants, dental bridges, dentures, dental crowns, and more.
What are Some Benefits of Seeing a Prosthodontist?
Prosthodontists are highly skilled when it comes to repairing smiles. When you receive a crown from a prosthodontist, you can rest assured that it will be expertly customized for your unique grin, making it more likely that it will fit properly the first time. On top of that, prosthodontists know how to design restorations and prostheses that feel natural and comfortable while also looking as lifelike as possible.
Additionally, a prosthodontist is a good choice if you want to get dental implants to replace missing teeth. They can handle every step of the process in one location, from placing the implant posts to designing and attaching the final restoration.
Finally, it should be noted that prosthodontists are highly skilled when it comes to advanced procedures such as oral cancer reconstruction. If you need to have harmful tissue removed from your mouth, a prosthodontist can help repair the area in order to improve your oral function as well as your facial appearance. This could involve soft tissue reconstruction, bone reconstruction, and dental implants.
Should You See a Prosthodontist?
Oftentimes, a general dentist will refer you to a prosthodontist if they believe that you could benefit from their expertise. That said, you can also reach out to a prosthodontist yourself if you believe they could help with your specific oral health issues. If you have any damaged or missing teeth, now is a great time to pick up the phone and give a prosthodontist near you a call.
About the Author
Dr. Richard Derksen is a knowledgeable prosthodontist with well over a decade of experience. He went to Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and he has been recognized as a board-certified prosthodontist. At Dallas Esthetics, he can provide dental implants, dental crowns, and more to restore his patients’ smiles. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Derksen, visit his website or call (214) 827-1150.
