A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school plus three additional years of advanced training and education in an ADA-accredited prosthodontic graduate program. Prosthodontists specialize in treating and handling dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing tooth and jaw structures. A prosthodontist is highly trained in cosmetics, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD) & more.
What are the reasons you need to see a Prosthodontist instead of just your General Dentist?
Replacing Lost Teeth: The loss of natural teeth can be traumatic & affect your self-confidence. There are many different options to help fill in your gaps and have you feeling confident again. Dental implants, crowns, bridges, & dentures are some of the procedures performed by a Prosthodontist that can help you regain your smile while improving your appearance.
Complex Care Management: Prosthodontists have been trained to manage the most complex dental restorations. From patients requiring rehabilitation after a traumatic injury to creating new smiles for those born with genetic facial deficits, prosthodontists have the special skills needed to restore smiles to be the absolute best that they possibly can be.
Cosmetic & Esthetic Dentistry: A healthy smile has a significant impact on self-esteem & confidence. Many Americans are unhappy about the look of their smile & may want to consult a prosthodontist. With their advanced training, prosthodontists can improve your appearance by fixing broken, discolored, or misshapen teeth. Some of the procedures that can be done to improve your smile are:
- Placing complete ceramic esthetic crowns or “caps” onto teeth.
- Placing thin porcelain veneers onto teeth to conceal defects: For veneers, prosthodontists bond thin porcelain to the teeth, perfecting their shape, position, and color.
- Using bonding technology on a tooth’s surface to change its shape or to close unwanted gaps: Color matching of composite will help make your teeth blend in with all your other teeth.
- Bleaching discolored teeth to brighten and whiten a smile: One of the easiest and quickest ways to change your smile.
So why see a Prosthodontist and your General Dentist? Some General Dentist can perform reconstructive dental work after just a weekend course on certain procedures. However, a Prosthodontist received an extra three year of intense, formal training beyond regular dental school.
If you are seeking cosmetic or reconstructive dental work, you should do research before making a decision in order to ensure proper care. As ADA recognized specialists, prosthodontists are qualified to offer care in state-of-the-art procedures and techniques, such as:
- Dental implants
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Complex care management involving multiple specialists
- Complete and removable partial dentures
- Replacing lost teeth
- Special needs of geriatric patients
- Children born with cleft palate or missing teeth
- Temporomandibular joint syndrome/disorder
- Traumatic injuries
- Snoring and sleep disorders
- Maxillofacial prosthetic procedures such as oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care
Mid-Peninsula Prosthodontics is equipped to provide you peerless solutions to your dental needs utilizing expert training, skills & technology. Call (650) 941-7300 to schedule your appointment today!
Mid-Peninsula Prosthodontics
20 First Street, Suite 200
Los Altos, CA 94022
