As defined by the American College of Prosthodontists, a prosthodontist is a dentist who is specialized in the aesthetic restoration and replacement of missing teeth. A prosthodontist receives 3 additional years of specialty training beyond dental school in a hospital or university based program accredited by the American Dental Association. Within the graduate specialty program, dentists receive intensive study in the areas of aesthetic dentistry, dental implants, full-mouth reconstruction, complete and partial dentures, crown and bridge, TMJ and joint problems, traumatic injury to the oral structures, and congenital or birth anomalies to the teeth. 

Prosthodontists possess the knowledge and training to treat patients presenting complicated dental concerns such as excessive tooth wear caused by grinding and clenching, collapsed bites, advanced bone loss in a long-term denture patient, and tooth loss or injury resulting from trauma. A prosthodontist’s understanding of the mechanics of the teeth and related oral structures along with dental aesthetics allows for a long-term, highly functional, aesthetically pleasing treatment result involving either the whole mouth or one tooth. 

 

A prosthodontist works in collaboration with the general dentist as well as other dental specialists to ensure that the highest standards of care are being provided for each patient and that his or her individual needs and concerns are addressed.