You may have heard the word 'prosthodontist' before. Are you wondering what you do and how they can help you? Our dentists in Thornhill describe what this specialist does and which type of dental surgery they perform.
What is prosthodontics?
Like other areas of the body, our teeth can become severely damaged as a result of trauma or disease. Cavities, acid exposure or erosion (from diet or disease), teeth grinding, insufficient saliva or failed restorations may also contribute to this problem.
While your general dentist may be able to correct some issues, if your case is more complex, you may be referred to a prosthodontist for comprehensive treatment and dental surgery.
Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry involving the diagnosis, treatment planning, restoration and maintenance of a patient's oral function, health, comfort and appearance. Prosthodontists are the specialists that practice in this field.
What is a prosthodontist?
This highly skilled individual will hold a specialty designation from a provincial regulatory body. As a dental specialist, they have successfully completed an accredited advanced educational program in prosthodontics. During this additional 2 to 3 years of training, they have obtained knowledge beyond a general dentist degree so they can perform clinical restorative procedures.
This specialist is able to diagnose dental issues, plan treatments and help patients prevent more dental issues from developing. Think of a prosthodontist as an 'oral architect'. They develop treatment plans and ensure treatment sequences are synchronized between medical and dental specialists, along with general dentists. This is all done with the goal of providing the most comprehensive care to patients.
A prosthodontist plays an integral role in helping you to replace missing tissue or teeth with artificial substitutes, and restoring your natural teeth.
While our dentists at Dentistry on Green Lane can complete restorations, we refer specialized cases to a prosthodontist.
Which services does a prosthodontist offer?
A prosthodontist offers a wide range of dental surgery services, such as:
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Implants
- Veneers
- Mouth guards
- Cosmetic procedures
When would we refer you to a prosthodontist?
For patients who have suffered serious damage to their teeth through trauma or as a result of injury or disease, their case may be so advanced that it requires high-quality attention and care from a prosthodontist. These specialists are recognized for their knowledge when anything in your mouth needs to be replaced, from one or two teeth to all teeth and gums in the mouth. Prosthodontists often lead teams of general dentists, specialists and other health professionals to create customized solutions to fulfill your dental needs.
Leveraging their extensive training and experience, prosthodontists have a specialized understanding of the dynamics of your smile and how to preserve your healthy mouth. They can also explain these concepts and answer questions you may have.
You and your dentist may decide you need a prosthodontist because they are trained in specific techniques and procedures that help treat complex oral health conditions. They can help restore your smile's function and appearance.
At Dentistry on Green Lane, we assess patients and make evaluations on a case-by-case basis and can tell you whether a prosthodontist would be the best dental professional to perform your procedure.
