The American Dental Association recognizes nine different specialists in dentistry. One of them is prosthodontics, which is the restoration and replacement of teeth. Anyone who has damaged or lost any of their teeth might consider seeing a prosthodontist. Your prosthodontist can change the appearance of your teeth and give you more confidence. Having damaged or missing teeth can be a huge knock to your self-esteem. You might try to hide your teeth, feeling embarrassed about anyone seeing them. Seeing a prosthodontist for treatment can help you to love your teeth again in a variety of ways.
Replacing Missing Teeth
One the primary tasks prosthodontists carry out as part of their jobs is replacing teeth. There are several ways you could lose a tooth. For example, gum disease can cause a tooth to fail and fall out. You could sustain an injury and have your tooth knocked out or severely damaged. You could perhaps suffer from oral cancer. In all these situations, a prosthodontist can replace the tooth with a prosthetic. There are several ways they can do this, including bridges, implants, and dentures. Bridges are made from porcelain and held in place typically by the teeth either side. Unlike a denture, you can’t take it out. Dental Implants are also an option for tooth replacement.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Prosthodontists can offer a variety of cosmetic treatments to make your teeth look better. If you’re shy about your smile, they can suggest the best procedures to correct any problems. For example, they can give you veneers. These are thin pieces of porcelain or composite material that cover the front side of your tooth. They can improve the look of your teeth and protect them at the same time. You could also get a crown fitted to repair a damaged tooth. Our prosthodontists also offer fillings called inlays and overlays. They are much less visible than traditional fillings.
Other Treatments by Prosthodontists
Prosthodontists can also provide a range of other products and procedures. For example, you can speak to your prosthodontist about guards for your mouth. They can be useful to wear at night when you go to bed by preventing you from clenching or grinding your teeth. If you’re an athlete, it’s strongly recommended that you wear a sports mouthguard while playing or training. It’s especially important for contact sports. You can even speak to your prosthodontist about sleep apnea, snore guards, and other oral appliances.
The Benefits of Seeing a Prosthodontist
If you think that many of the above procedures sound like things your typical dentist can do, you might be right. General dentists can perform some of these treatments, but there are reasons to choose a prosthodontist. They spend several years more in training to become experts in these areas of dentistry. Your usual dentist might only have participated in a short course to learn a new procedure before they started performing it. You know you’re in safe hands with a prosthodontist.
If you’re unsure whether to see a prosthodontist, have a look at the services they provide. If you want superior treatment, a visit to a prosthodontist will deliver.
Michael P. Linnan, DDS is the Prosthodontist at Greater Baltimore Prosthodontics, PA with 20+ years in this expertise.