The answer? Not a lot of people know. Probably not even you—which explains why you're here. And that's okay. Most people go their whole lives without coming in contact with a Prosthodontist. Even amongst those that do come in contact with them and do have some idea of what they are, eighty percent probably categorize a prosthodontist as "a type of dentist or something."
We’ve all had that story about the first time we saw our grandparents take their teeth out as a kid. Back then, our experience would have been more like a horror story, seeing grandpa or grandma’s gums where their natural teeth were supposed to be and realizing that the big, beautiful smile on their face, whenever they saw, was “not real.”
A prosthodontist is a dentist who receives an additional three years of specialized training in complex dental matters, dental restoration, and aesthetic treatment planning. Since the primary purpose of a prosthodontist is to help rebuild your smile, they are often called oral architects.
Of all the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA), dentists who work in the field of prosthodontics or prosthodontists are said to offer the most advanced form of sequencing treatment, restorative treatment, and maintenance.
Here at Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, our dedicated dental team will always do everything we can to ensure people feel comfortable and cared for during dental visits. However, we understand that not everyone feels relaxed when visiting the prosthodontist, even people who care for their teeth. For some, these dental anxieties can seem overwhelming, making even routine dental checkups an unbearable prospect.
Losing teeth is upsetting, but unfortunately, it’s a situation that will be faced by many of us. If you do lose teeth, it’s crucial to replace them as soon as possible, even if it is just a single tooth.
If you have a cavity or pain somewhere in your mouth, you'll want to visit your dentist. If you've had an injury in or near your mouth that has damaged your jaw or your teeth, you may need to visit a prosthodontist, otherwise known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. You may wonder what the difference is between a dentist and a prosthodontist.
Dental fear and anxiety are the major issues that stops people receiving dental care. The incidences and prevalence of dental phobia are quite high. Many research studies show that patients may even avoid going to a prosthodontist or dentist due to dental fear. Do you belong to this group and fear that your dental visit will be a ‘painful’ episode? You can set your mind at ease as the advancements in dental technology and materials can make your dental treatment relaxing and comfortable.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), after cavities and periodontal disease, malocclusion is one of the most important oral health issues. What is malocclusion? Let's start by defining occlusion. Occlusion is the way your upper teeth and lower teeth fit together in a bite. Forms of malocclusion include overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, and gapped teeth. If left unchecked, malocclusion can lead to occlusal disease. Keep reading to learn more about occlusal disease and ways to treat it.
If you’re considering aesthetic dental treatment to enhance your smile while maintaining optimal oral health, you may be wondering which type of dentist is right for you. A general dentist providing cosmetic dental services may spring to mind, particularly if, like many people, you don’t know what a prosthodontist does.
