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You may have heard of a prosthodontist - but what services do they offer, and how can they help you? Our dentist in Edmonton share a few facts on what this specialist does and what type of dental surgery they can perform.
What is prosthodontics?
Similar to other parts of our body, our teeth can become severely damaged as a result of cavities, trauma, teeth grinding, failed restorations, not enough saliva, or acid erosion/exposure (from diet or disease).
Though your dentist may not be able to resolve some issues, if your case is more complex we might refer you to a prosthodontist for comprehensive dental surgery and treatment planning.
The diagnosis, treatment planning, restoration and maintenance of a patient's oral function, appearance, health and comfort are all covered under prosthodontics - a specialty and a branch of dentistry.
What is a prosthodontist?
This dental specialist has successfully completed an accredited advanced educational program in prosthodontics.
A prosthodontist holds a specialty designation from a provincial dental regulatory body. He or she has 2 to 3 years of additional training in clinical restorative procedures beyond a general dental degree.
This individual is an expert in diagnosing dental issues, planning treatments and preventing further dental problems. A prosthodontist can be likened to an 'oral architect'. they develop treatment plans and ensure treatment sequences are appropriately synchronized between dental and medical specialists, as well as general dentists to provide the most comprehensive care to patients. With services of a prosthodontist, your natural teeth can be restored. Missing teeth or tissues are also replaced with artificial substitutes.
While your dentist at Scotia Square Dentistry can complete restorations, we would send specialized cases to a prosthodontist.
Which services does a prosthodontist offer?
A prosthodontist offers a wide range of dental surgery services, such as:
- Bridges
- Crowns
- Fillings
- Cosmetic procedures
- Implants
- Mouth guards
- Veneers
When would we refer you to a prosthodontist?
For patients who have suffered serious damage to their teeth through trauma or as a result of injury or disease, their case may be so advanced that it requires high-quality attention and care from a prosthodontist. These specialists are recognized for their knowledge when anything in your mouth needs to be replaced, from one or two teeth to all teeth and gums in the mouth. Prosthodontists often lead teams of general dentists, specialists and other health professionals to create customized solutions to fulfill your dental needs.
Leveraging their extensive training and experience, prosthodontists have a specialized understanding of the dynamics of your smile and how to preserve your healthy mouth. They can also explain these concepts and answer questions you may have.
You and your dentist may decide you need a prosthodontist because they are trained in specific techniques and procedures that help treat complex oral health conditions. They can help restore your smile's function and appearance.
At Scotia Square Dentistry, we assess patients and make evaluations on a case-by-case basis and can tell you whether a prosthodontist would be the best dental professional to perform your procedure.