Broad, ongoing dental care
General dentists look after the full range of day-to-day oral health needs, help prevent disease and provide or coordinate treatment for most common dental problems.
PATIENT INFORMATION
What is a prosthodontist?
SPECIALIST THINKING. PERSONAL CARE.
A prosthodontist is a dentist who has undertaken additional specialist training in restoring and replacing teeth, including complex cases involving the whole mouth. Prosthodontics brings together diagnosis, function, appearance, materials, bite, maintenance and the practical stages of treatment.
How prosthodontics complements general dentistry
General dentists provide comprehensive care throughout life. A prosthodontist works alongside this care when restoration is complex or several treatments need to be coordinated.
Additional restorative focus
A prosthodontist has completed further specialist training focused on complex restoration and replacement of teeth, including treatment planning when several factors need to be balanced.
When might a specialist opinion help?
Several teeth need treatment
A joined-up plan may be needed when teeth are worn, fractured, heavily restored or missing.
A restoration is failing
A second opinion can help clarify why a crown, bridge, denture or implant restoration is difficult to maintain.
The sequence is unclear
Specialist planning can help coordinate restorative, periodontal, orthodontic, endodontic or surgical care when required.
What does a prosthodontist do?
- Assess the teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints, smile and the way the mouth functions as a whole.
- Plan and restore crowns, bridges, veneers, complete and partial dentures, digital dentures and implant-supported teeth.
- Review complex or failing restorative work and explain repair, replacement and maintenance options.
- Work with general dentists and other specialists so the plan remains coordinated and understandable.
- Discuss alternatives, risks, stages, fees and long-term maintenance before treatment begins.
It is a collaborative process
Your general dentist remains an important part of your care. A prosthodontist may work alongside them, accept a referral for a defined question or provide treatment and return ongoing maintenance to the general dental team.
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