Frequently Asked Questions:

What dental procedures does a prosthodontist perform?

Prosthodontists are the experts in dental rehabilitation and have mastered many procedures including: crowns, caps, bridges, veneers, removable partial dentures, dentures and dental implants. In addition to restoring dental implants with restorations, many prosthodontists are surgically placing implants as well.

Is a prosthodontist different from a “cosmetic dentist”?

The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, and the ADA does not include “cosmetic dentistry” as a specialty. Prosthodontists receive extensive training and experience in dental esthetics and cosmetics during their graduate programs which currently last three years. Many cosmetic dentists receive training during seminars or a series of courses, but this training is usually limited to weekend or possibly weeklong courses.

Will the prosthodontist complete all of my required treatment?

The prosthodontist is best viewed as the "architect" of your dental project. S/he has the vision of your final outcome, both the esthetics of your smile and the improved function of your bite. Often other dental specialists may participate in your treatment to help establish a solid foundation for your restorations. Every prosthodontist develops a treatment plan customized for each individual patient, and s/he will determine if adjunctive procedures by another doctor are necessary.

What Is a Prosthodontist? 

A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the esthetic restoration and replacement of damaged, decayed, or missing teeth.  They restore optimum appearance and function to your smile.

Most prosthodontists receive three to five years of additional training after the initial four years of dental school.  This additional training is earned through a hospital or university-based program accredited by the American Dental Association.  Gaining admission to an accredited prosthodontics program is rigorous and highly competitive.  Prosthodontic programs only accept the most highly qualified dentists who are usually top graduates possessing excellent hand/eye dexterity and a strong desire for more extensive training, knowledge, and skills in restoring optimum function and esthetics for the best smile possible.   This intense multi-year program in prosthodontics provides the knowledge, practice, and expertise that far exceeds a general dentistry education.

Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Graduate programs in prosthodontics include classroom lectures and seminars, laboratory and clinical training in esthetics/cosmetics, crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, complete and removable partial dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures, congenital or birth anomalies to teeth, snoring, sleep disorders, and oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care. 

Prosthodontists are masters of complete oral rehabilitation.  They are like the “architects” of the mouth. 

A prosthodontist is dedicated to the highest standards of care in the restoration and replacement of teeth.

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