If you’ve gone to your dentist for a toothache, general maintenance, or a consult for dental implants and he or she has referred you to a prosthodontist, then you might have a few questions. Here, we’ll answer your main question for now: what does a prosthodontist do?

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Prosthodontists are dentists who have received specialized training in dental restoration. This professional has gone to dental school and received a degree and license before going on to do an extra three years of education to become a prosthodontist. During his or her extra training, the prosthodontist learns about the anatomy of the head and neck, as well as about cosmetic strategies and procedures. During this training, the professional learns about the materials used in prosthodontics, which include varying crowns, implants, and more. Prosthodontics also gain extensive training about proper occlusion, which relates to proper “bite”. With this well-rounded training, a prosthodontist is ready to practice. Some prosthodontics choose to become maxillofacial prosthodontics, an area that requires an extra year of education and allows the professional to help patients with head and neck defects arising from congenital defects and trauma.

If your dentist has referred you to a prosthodontist, then you are likely going to have one of a few procedures done. Prosthodontists regularly perform cosmetic dentistry, including dental veneers, dental implants, and bleaching. They also work with patients who are in need of crowns, bridges, and dentures.

While your regular dentist might provide some of these services; a prosthodontist is especially trained in the anatomy and materials used in these specialized areas of dentistry. A prosthodontist will consider your needs from a broader perspective than perhaps your dentist, and you can expect the highest level of professionalism.

If your dentist has suggested that you see a prosthodontist, then you will be receiving a specialized level of care that ensures that your short-term and long-term dental needs are carefully met.