Prosthodontist vs General Dentist: What’s the Difference?

When routine dental services are needed, a general dentist is a great resource for everything from checkups to fillings, gum disease treatment, and more. Most common dental procedures can be provided by a general dentist, but there are times when additional services are needed from a specialist.

At myDental, we’re excited to announce a new member on our team: we’ve added prosthodontic care in our offices. Our prosthodontist has received highly-focused training in tooth restoration and replacement. Patients who require tooth replacement treatments can receive top-notch care for services such as dental implants and other complex cases.

Implants and Other Services from a Prosthodontist

‘Prostho’ is a term that means ‘replacement,’ and ‘dontist’ refers to ‘teeth.’ If you need anything replaced in your mouth, then a prosthodontist is the recognized industry expert. A range of available prosthodontic services are available, including:

• Single Tooth Replacement: Usually involving the placement of an implant post, followed by a crown on top to replace the missing tooth.
• Multiple Teeth Replacement: Treatments to replace multiple teeth are customized based on the needs of each patient. This procedure often includes one or more dental implants, with a bridge secured in place.
• All Teeth Replacement: Sometimes it’s necessary to replace all teeth on one or both jaws. Dentures offer a good solution, with the option to have denture over implants ‘ with implant posts to hold the dentures in place.

Many other dentists provide some or all of these treatments. The difference is that a prosthodontist is dedicated to this type of care only, so general dentistry services aren’t available from a prosthodontist. Through extensive training and experience, a prosthodontist has the unique knowledge to optimize the appearance and function of a healthy smile.

Do You Need Dental Implants?

A dental implant surgery can be a good option when you need to replace one or more teeth. After extraction, leaving an open gap not only affects a person’s appearance, but the missing tooth can also impact the function of the mouth.

It’s recommended that patients replace missing teeth to prevent shifting of the surrounding teeth. Additionally, implants can help to minimize potential bone loss after extraction. Without an implant placement, patients often have a deterioration of the bone since there is no longer a tooth root in place.

Even though implants are a bit more expensive compared to other dental restorations, it’s worth the investment. With proper dental care, a good implant can last a lifetime.

Most patients are good candidates for dental implants, but specific factors need to be considered. If you are thinking about dental implants or other restorations, then the best way to get started is by scheduling a consultation.

Our team at myDental is here to help. You’re invited to schedule a consultation with our prosthodontist to learn more about the ways you can benefit from dental restoration. You can choose from multiple locations in the area, ensuring convenience for your family. Call at your convenience if you’d like to learn more about available services.