Prosthodontics is a dental specialty focusing on missing teeth. The specialty deals with the diagnosis, management, and restoration of a patient's oral health, comfort, and aesthetics, as well as clinical conditions linked to maxillofacial tissues. Prosthodontists are skilled medical professionals who offer specialized care tailored to the individual dental needs of each patient. Read more to find out what do prosthodontists do.
Who is a prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating complicated dental and facial issues, such as the restoration and artificial tooth replacement of missing or damaged teeth. A prosthodontist has extensive training in temporomandibular disorders, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and more.
It is estimated that each year in the US, nearly 300,000 people receive dental implants. Most of these dental implants are examined and positioned by their general dentist or prosthodontist.
Cosmetic dentistry, which has grown in popularity over the past several years, is another area of expertise for prosthodontists. According to studies, 25% of Americans claim that improving their smile or teeth would help them feel more confident. Prosthodontist understands the dynamics of a smile and the preservation of a healthy mouth.
Role of a prosthodontist
"Prostho" means "replacement," and "dentist" denotes someone who works with teeth. Prosthodontists are specialists in tooth replacement and restoration. This can apply to one tooth, many teeth, or all the teeth and gums in your mouth. They frequently guide groups of general dentists, specialists, and other medical providers to create oral care plans for you.
Why should you choose a prosthodontist?
You should choose a prosthodontist because of their efficiency, knowledge of the latest technology, and sophisticated education and training. Prosthodontists have received considerable training in advanced methods and techniques for treating complex dental diseases and regaining optimum performance and aesthetics.
Due to their extensive training and experience, prosthodontists have a unique understanding of the dynamics of a smile and the preservation of a healthy mouth. They have in-depth information about dentures, implants, jaw disorders, crowns, bridges, and other topics.
Role of occlusion analysis by prosthodontist for managing bruxism/teeth wear and broken crown.
Occlusion refers to the teeth meeting at the junction of the lower and upper jaws. Proper occlusion is essential for eating, aesthetics, and disease prevention. Malocclusion can be caused by various circumstances, including genetics and trauma.
Premature restorative failure will result from failing to establish a mechanically sound masticatory system.
Additionally, there is a possibility that the spatial positioning of a tooth or teeth within the dental arches could become unstable, resulting in iatrogenic harm to the residual tissues. Occlusion analysis helps in determining occlusion issues.
There is no specific treatment for bruxism, but your prosthodontist can do an occlusion analysis and create a device that will safeguard your teeth, support your TMJ, and ease muscular pain. Although it goes by various names, this item is frequently called a splint. A splint helps with bruxism by carefully controlling how your teeth interact and giving you something else to harm instead of your teeth. Splints are a superior recipient of these destructive energies since they can be quickly modified or replaced.
Your prosthodontist can also use occlusion analysis for the management of broken crowns. Due to vast knowledge and experience, a prosthodontist can perform dental procedures like dental bonding, crown recementing, or replacement relatively easily.
Training and Education of Prosthodontists
Advanced education is required for prosthodontists in cosmetic tooth replacement and restoration. Following undergraduate and dental school, three more years of study are required for this training.
To become a prosthodontist, you must complete the following steps:
· A bachelor's degree
· Dental College
· Pass the National Board of Dental Examinations
· Complete a three-year residency and education in a prosthodontic graduate program accredited (authorized) by the ADA
· Pass a certification test for the American Board of Prosthodontics
What benefits do prosthodontics offer?
Treatments with prosthodontics can:
· Restore severely damaged teeth
· Make up for lost teeth
· Improve the way you smile and your teeth fit together
· Resolve TMJ problems
Are there any risks of prosthetic dentistry?
Prosthodontic procedures have negligible risks. Like any other dental procedure, there is some chance of infection or nerve injury.
Call your dentist or prosthodontist immediately if you experience warning symptoms, such as fever or drainage near the treatment site.
Final Words
The development of prosthodontics has been significantly influenced by digital innovation in dentistry. Cone beam computed tomography, for instance, is frequently used by prosthodontists in dental implants to plan and place the implants. As various unique fields of the dental practice were gradually assimilated, prosthodontics developed into what it is today. The most significant addition to the treatment options offered by the specialty has possibly been the use of dental implant therapy for individuals with prosthodontic demands.
The surgical placement of dental implants has become the norm in prosthodontics. Planning, implantation, and restoration of dental implants will remain a key area of emphasis for the specialty for the foreseeable future. It is anticipated that the services offered by the dental specialty of prosthodontics will continue to be valuable to the profession and the general public as it continues to develop.
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