The Difference Between a Dentist and a Prosthodontist

If you had a heart problem, you would go to a cardiologist. The same line of thinking should be true for missing or damaged teeth.

Missing teeth can pose a serious problem to your health, and a prosthodontist is uniquely qualified to be your partner for healthy, long-lasting restored teeth. What is a prosthodontist? A prosthodontist is the official and recognized dental specialty to receive advanced training in the restoration of teeth, including the use of crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures and dental implants.

In the United States, there are an estimated 120 million people missing at least one tooth, and 36 million Americans are missing all teeth in one or both jaws. Missing even one tooth can severely impact an individual’s confidence, job prospects, and overall health, which is why it is important to replace missing teeth properly.

It’s easy to get confused on which professional is the perfect fit for your specific dental need. There are many companies who market heavily to put their “quick fix” in front of you, hoping you’ll choose them. But this doesn’t always mean you’re choosing correctly. There are some general dentists who are very talented and well-trained. It is important for consumers to understand the distinction between a general dentist and a prosthodontist.

A major source of confusion in the marketplace is the term “cosmetic dentist.” Most people don’t realize this is not a dental specialty, but simply a marketing phrase. The truth is, all great dentists focus on aesthetics so that any dental work looks natural and gives their patient confidence.

When reaching out for solutions for dentures and dental implants, the most highly trained specialist in the field is a prosthodontist. A prosthodontist has not only completed their four years of general dentistry education, but they’ve invested an additional three years of one-on-one mentorship of advanced clinical and laboratory procedures that are usually not covered in dental training.

National Prosthodontics Awareness Week is recognized in April every year, the perfect time to explore your options for a healthier, happier mouth.

Call us at (407) 478-4960 for help in answering any of your questions.