What additional training does a prosthodontist receive?

When it comes time to restore your smile, you want to get care from the best prosthodontist available. After all, that practitioner will be responsible for designing a prosthetic crown, bridge or denture that mimics a natural tooth or teeth.

A prosthodontist’s training is an important component of his or her expertise. Because this specialty involves detailed knowledge beyond the subjects covered in a standard dental school education, most prosthodontists will complete a residency after graduating from dental school.

That post-graduate experience, which lasts 2-3 years, will provide the prosthodontist with additional coursework on topics related to restorative dentistry, and the prosthodontics residency allows for ample opportunity for hands-on practical experience in the field. The latter helps prosthodontists to hone their skills in realistic treatment settings.

As a result of this specialized training, prosthodontists are qualified to provide a wide range of treatments, including restorations like crowns, veneers and inlays, dental implants or dentures. Prosthodontists can treat patients with various conditions, including TMJ disorders, sleep problems and even reconstruction for problems like oral cancer or cleft palate.

In addition to the formal coursework completed by a prosthodontist, the practitioner is also expected to pursue continuing education on subjects related to the specialty. This ongoing training keeps prosthodontists current on new developments in the technology of restorations as well as advances in treatment techniques.

Some prosthodontists may also decide to become certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics, although this is not a requirement to practice in this dental specialty.

A prosthodontist’s practice experience is also an important consideration for patients. The prosthodontist should be able to share examples of patient cases similar to yours so that you can see what results can be achieved in such a scenario.

If you are in need of some sort of restorative dentistry treatment to repair a damaged tooth or replace a missing one, feel free to ask the prosthodontist about any additional training completed in the area of expertise. This will add to your comfort level with the practitioner and the treatment process.