Unlike general dentists, prosthodontists are board-certified and have completed three years of additional training after dental school. They are experts in the field of advanced restorative dentistry and can help patients with dental implants, dentures, cleft and palate care, and treating bruxism. A prosthodontist near me will be able to fill in gaps in your smile, restore broken teeth, and improve the look of your smile. Here are some things to consider when choosing a prosthodontist for you:
1. Reputation
A prosthodontist is a specialist in oral care and is trained to provide restorative treatments for patients who need it. They treat the mouth as part of a whole body system and take into consideration the effects and links between oral treatments and overall health.
Prosthodontists are also experts in addressing other dental conditions, including alleviating severe snoring and sleep apnea, as well as reconstructing the teeth and jaw after other treatments such as cancer or surgery. They are also skilled in the design, fabrication and placement of dental implant prosthetics, dentures, veneers and bridges.
When choosing a prosthodontist, it is important to check their reputation and training. A good prosthodontist should be able to combine the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques with tried-and-true dental practices.
2. Location
Prosthodontists are usually specialized in restorative dentistry, which can include filling gaps left by missing teeth. They can also create partial dentures to improve chewing functions and enhance the appearance of the smile. A prosthodontist can also alleviate jaw problems like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, severe snoring and sleep apnea.
It’s important that you find a prosthodontist who is located near your home or work. This will ensure that twice-yearly visits to the dentist don’t become an inconvenience.
When searching for a prosthodontist, take the time to check out their reputation online or ask friends, coworkers and family members for recommendations. This can help you narrow down your search and choose a specialist who will best suit your needs. Also, consider whether their practice is within your budget or if they accept your dental insurance.
3. Experience
Prosthodontists are highly experienced in treating and managing dental problems. They are trained in cosmetic dentistry and can provide a variety of treatments such as veneers, crowns, bridges, dental implants, partial dentures, cleft lip or palate care and temporomandibular disorders (TMD/TMJ). The term prosthodontics means ‘to replace the teeth’ which is exactly what they do. Their work is aimed at providing functional and attractive tooth replacements that can prevent the need for further medical treatment. They are able to treat teeth that are missing or damaged due to tooth decay, gum disease, accidents and advanced aging. The treatment options offered by prosthodontists are limited only by the patient’s needs and budget.
They can also provide a variety of cosmetic treatments such as dental veneers and whitening to boost the patient’s smile.
4. Budget
If you don’t have much money to spare or your dental insurance plan isn’t very comprehensive, you need to find a prosthodontist who can work within your budget. A great way to do this is to look at what other patients say about them online. You can also ask around amongst your friends, co-workers, and family members about prosthodontists they have used in the past.
You should also look into the cost of their services and see what they include in the package. It’s best to go with a prosthodontist who is ADA (American Dental Association) certified and has completed 4 years of dentistry school. This is an indication that they’re highly qualified and adhere to the latest practices in dentistry. It’s also important to choose a prosthodontist who is near you to prevent unnecessary stress in getting to the dentist for twice-yearly checkups.
5. Comfort
A prosthodontist is trained to restore and replace teeth, create a functional bite, and enhance smile aesthetics through the design, fabrication, and placement of custom restorations. These dentists are often referred to as artists due to their skill in creating tooth replacements that look and feel natural.
Aside from filling in gaps created by missing teeth, a prosthodontist can also treat injuries to the mouth’s structure, alleviate snoring and sleep disorders, and oversee oral cancer reconstruction. They can also perform more general dental treatments such as bone grafts and periodontal treatment.
It is important to feel comfortable around a restorative dentist, particularly when they are performing more invasive procedures like tooth implants and dentures. It’s best to find a prosthodontist who prioritizes patient comfort.