What’s the Difference Between a Prosthodontist and a Dentist?

What’s the Difference Between a Prosthodontist and a Dentist?

Posted by LAKEVIEW DENTAL CLINIC on Mar 9 2021, 05:55 AM

A general dentist is often trained to handle all types of common oral concerns, such as cavities, gum diseases, teeth discoloration, damaged teeth, malocclusion, etc. They offer treatment to individuals of all age groups, from infants to the elderly. Prosthodontists, on the other hand, are dentists who specialize in providing dental restorations and replacing missing teeth.

What services do general dentists provide?

Preventive care: Preventive dental measures are crucial in ensuring you do not develop any significant oral concerns by preventing them in the early stages itself.

Fillings: Fillings are widely used to restore teeth that have sustained damage due to decay. Their aesthetics and functionality can be brought back to normal using tooth-colored fillings.

Gum contouring: The gums are just as important as the teeth when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. When you develop gum diseases, it is crucial to get them treated at the earliest. The decayed gum tissues and tartar deposits will be extracted, medication will be placed in the gum pockets, and a gum graft may be carried out.

Restorations: Although fabricating dental restorations is mainly done by prosthodontists, general dentists also indulge in it. Most restorations are made from dental-grade ceramic, as it offers superior properties.

Orthodontic solutions: Orthodontic solutions are provided using dental braces and Invisalign. They help to align misaligned teeth, thus giving you a more pleasing smile.

Routine consultations: Biannual dental consultations are necessary for the dentist to keep close tabs on your oral health and suggest suitable treatment if required. Oral cleaning and a thorough diagnosis of the oral cavity will be performed during this.

What do prosthodontists specialize in?

Although prosthodontists are capable of treating common oral concerns, they specialize in the fabricating of oral restorations and teeth replacement. Some of the common restorations they provide are:

Dental crowns: Crowns are dental restorations made from tooth-colored ceramic material. Crowns cover the teeth entirely, thereby keeping them from sustaining further damage. They are used to restore teeth that are chipped, cracked, naturally misshapen, weak, worn out, etc.

Bridges: Dental bridges are prosthetic teeth used to replace missing natural ones. They, too, are made from dental-grade ceramic and can be customized in terms of color, texture, and contour, thus making them indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Dental implants: Implants are the most sought-after teeth restorations as they are placed directly in the jawbone, which gives them their stability and strength. Implants also improve jawbone health, as they hold it intact and keep it from getting deteriorated.

Veneers: Veneers are wafer-thin dental restorations bonded to the frontal surface of the teeth. They are used to treat chipped, cracked, misshapen, severely discolored, or worn-out teeth. Their simple fabricating process makes the treatment procedure quick and convenient.

Dentures: Dentures are removable dental prostheses used to replace a large number of missing teeth. They are made from dental-grade ceramic and gum-colored acrylic, thereby mimicking the appearance of both the teeth and gums. They allow the patient to bite and chew food and also enhance their facial appearance.

Please schedule a consultation with our dentist at Lakeview Dental, and we can discuss further about your dental treatment.

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