Dentistry is a vast field with many career options, such as prosthodontist, endodontist, and pediatric dentist. Talking about prosthodontists, they are one of the most skilled dentists, best suited for complex dental treatments. However, the roadmap to becoming a prosthodontist is not similar to that of a regular dentist. You have to complete three years of additional study to become a prosthodontist.
Below, we have talked about what a prosthodontist is in detail.
What is a prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dentist specializing in complex dental treatments, including the replacement and restoration of damaged or missing teeth with artificial devices. They are highly trained and skilled in dental implants, bridges, jaw disorders, dentures, and more.
Some of them may also specialize in cosmetic dentistry, which has been getting popular over recent years. They have excellent knowledge about a smile’s dynamics and know how to preserve a healthy mouth.
What does a prosthodontist do?
They repair natural teeth and replace missing teeth with dentures, caps, dental implants, or crowns. Some specially trained and skilled prosthodontists work on head and neck deformities and replace missing parts of the face and jaw.
Every year, approximately 300,000 Americans get dental implants positioned by a prosthodontist or general dentist. In fact, 25% of Americans believe that changing their smile or teeth can enhance their self-esteem, for which they go to their prosthodontists.
Education and training
Prosthodontists undergo advanced training in teeth replacement and aesthetic restoration. After completing their dental and undergraduate school, they have to complete three additional years of study.
If you wish to become a prosthodontist, you need to successfully finish the following:
- An undergraduate degree
- Dental school
- National Board Dental Examinations
- A three-year residency education program from an ADA-accredited institution
- An American Board of Prosthodontics certification exam
Reasons to see a prosthodontist
You may have to visit a prosthodontist due to an accident, cosmetic reasons, or a congenital condition. A regular dentist may also cater to your needs; however, prosthodontists are specially trained for treating complex dental problems. There are several services a prosthodontist offers, including:
- Dental implant fitting and placement- Prosthodontists are highly skilled in properly fitting and placing crowns, dentures, and bridges. They will first analyze the current condition of your gums to know the right size and shape and then design implants as per those specifications.
- Jaw, sleep, or snoring issues- If you have temporomandibular problems or sleep and snoring disorders, you must see a prosthodontist. Problems with the temporomandibular area become noticeable while sleeping, chewing, or yawning. A prosthodontist will help you deal with these problems by giving you the proper treatment.
- Traumatic injury repairs- If you have any traumatic injuries to your teeth, mouth, or face, you must consult a prosthodontist as they specialize in treating such injuries.
- Oral cancer reconstruction- If you have oral cancer, you may have to undergo oral cancer reconstruction surgery to prevent any cancerous growth. A prosthodontist is the right person to perform the surgery and address any cosmetic concerns.
About the business
A prosthodontist is a skilled professional specializing in complex dental treatments. At Dental Career Services, we have a proven track record of sourcing and matching dentists, dental hygienists, specialists, and dental office managers with top-tier dental offices across North America. Our clients choose us for our in-depth understanding of their needs and recruiting challenges. We tailor our recruiting solutions to resolve their talent shortages with ease & efficiency. For more information, contact us at 972-746-6206 or fill out our contact form.
