Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing damaged or missing teeth with dental prostheses. The treatments they provide include, bridges, crowns, dentures, and other appliances for oral disorders, such as jaw issues. They also specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Some even have specialized training to treat the oral health issues of patients who have been disfigured, injured, or deformed from birth in ways that impact their jaw, face, and other structures.

To become a prosthodontist, a provider must first receive a bachelor’s degree and then attend dental school. To become a licensed prosthodontist, the National Board of Dental Examinations must be passed, either to become a DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). After this, prosthodontists complete a three-year surgical residency and receive graduate education through a prosthodontic program accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). Finally, to become a practicing prosthodontist, the provider must complete a certification exam with the American Board of Prosthodontics.

You may be referred to a prosthodontist if a congenital defect or injury requires that you seek specialized treatment for cosmetic or functional dental needs. Some reasons include needing a crown, bridge, or implant, being diagnosed with TMJ or sleeping disorders, recovering from a traumatic mouth or face injury, or seeking surgical treatment for oral cancer, including reconstructive cosmetic surgery.