What is a Prosthodontist?

People may have absent teeth for any number of reasons, including decay, disease, trauma or congenital problems. Missing or damaged teeth not only have a negative impact on the smile’s appearance, they also compromise the function of the teeth.

When you have a damaged or missing tooth, you want the replacement to look as genuine as possible. A skilled dentist can make this happen.

Certain dentists specialize in creating tooth restorations and replacements, and these specialists are known as prosthodontists.

The best prosthodontists in DFW may fashion appliances ranging from dentures to bridges to crowns. Many prosthodontists can also surgically place dental implants in addition to crafting the prosthetic crowns they hold in place.

A prosthodontist may also be involved in treating conditions such as sleep apnea and bruxism, or teeth grinding. In these cases, the prosthodontist may fit the patient with appliances to correct improper positioning of the jaws.

Your treatment options will vary based on the unique specifications of your case, and most patients will have a number of choices that will be appropriate. For example, edentulous (toothless) patients may select dentures or dental implants. A single missing tooth can be replaced by a dental implant or a fixed permanent bridge.

When choosing a restoration or tooth replacement appliance, many factors will influence your decision, including budget, smile goals and patient comfort. Your prosthodontist can give you guidance on the treatment that best meets your needs.

Aesthetics are also a primary concern in replacing missing teeth or repairing broken ones, and this is the true value of prosthodontists. A prosthodontist completes extensive post-graduate training, which offers further education and opportunities to fine-tune the skills needed to create a lifelike restoration.

With access to advanced treatments and interventions, prosthodontists can improve upon almost any smile. If you have a cracked, chipped or missing tooth, consult with one of our experienced prosthodontists to learn more about the smile-enhancing treatments that will be most useful for you.