Most general dentists offer denture services and can provide good results that allow you to restore your smile for a reasonable price. If you lose or damage a tooth, your primary dentist may send you to a prosthodontist. A prosthodontist specializes in repairing or replacing your natural teeth. With proper care, your dentures will last for many years to come.
However, you should see your prosthodontist or dentist at least once a year to make sure they continue to fit comfortably and correctly. This is because the mouth can change shape over the years and cause dentures that once fit well to feel loose or unsupported. Prosthodontics is the field of dentistry that focuses on restoring and replacing damaged teeth. For the most part, these treatments consist of dentures, partials, and overdentures.
Prosthodontists with additional training in maxillofacial prosthetics are trained to manage oral cancer reconstruction and ongoing care. Prosthodontists can help you with complex treatments including dental reconstruction and oral cancer treatment, as well as more routine procedures, such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. To replace a tooth, a prosthodontist may use devices such as a fixed bridge, dentures, or dental implants. Prosthodontists receive at least 3 years of residency training and must obtain specialized certification to demonstrate their mastery of restorative dentistry.
Prosthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on restoring a smile, and includes all the elements necessary to make a smile as functional as it is beautiful. Fortunately, prosthodontic and tooth replacement solutions have come a long way as dental technology and techniques advance. It's a good idea to request x-rays from your general dentist, if you have them, to help your prosthodontist better understand your case. Some of the techniques that a prosthodontist can use to repair a tooth include cosmetic dentistry, such as porcelain veneers and gold or ceramic crowns.
While many other dentists can perform some or all of these treatments, prosthodontists are the specialists dedicated to this type of care. As “architects” of a dental treatment plan, prosthodontists collaborate with general dentists, other dental specialists and health professionals to develop solutions to their dental problems. In contrast, prosthodontists have extensive training in restorative dentistry and in the use of dental prosthetics to restore the appearance and function of your smile. While a referral to a prosthodontist may seem daunting, if you need a tooth replacement or other complex dental restoration, it can be comforting to know that you are in the hands of an expert specially trained to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
