Prosthodontics is a specific area of dentistry that encompasses unique and nuanced practices. What’s more? A prosthodontist can perform a host of specialized treatments, including bone grafting and sinus lift procedures, in addition to traditional dental work such as providing routine checkups, cleanings, and other forms of restorative care. With that in mind, however, how can you identify a dentist from a prosthodontist, and when would you require specialized service? In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS dentist takes a look at the differences between a dentist and a prosthodontist, as well as identifies circumstances that might warrant prosthetic care.
Additional Years of Schooling
It goes without saying that dentistry in and of itself is a complex area of study. After all, your smile comes into contact with various threats on a regular and lifetime basis, and sometimes it can be impossible to prevent them all from wreaking havoc and causing damage. Indeed, you may not be familiar with all of the various areas of dentistry in their entirety, but surely your dentist can help, right?
In actuality, not necessarily. You see, treatment that requires ridge and sinus augmentation or bone grafting in the jaw is best treated by a specialist specifically trained in that particular area, such as a prosthodontist. To help you visualize this concept, think of the square-rectangle conundrum. All squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. In a similar manner, all prosthodontists can practice dentistry, but not all dentists are prosthodontists.
One of the major differences between the two professions is that a prosthodontist requires three additional years of specialized schooling following dental school. To learn more about the accreditation and licensing process, give our office a call today.
A Unique Specialization
As we mentioned earlier, a prosthodontist does a bit more than a dentist can. But what exactly might this look like? You see, a prosthodontist receives specialized training in handling dental and facial problems. Treatment of this nature may include restoring a missing tooth, restoring jaw structures, and optimizing your cosmetic restoration process.
More specifically, our team is highly trained in dental implant creation and placement, crowns, bridges, dentures, and addressing temporomandibular joint disorders. Contact our office for more information about this process and how to set up your initial consultation today.
More Than Just An Implant
Finally, one of the popular roles of a prosthodontist is to help set you up with prosthetic solutions to smile damage. For example, our dental implants are designed to provide a lifelike appearance while also targeting and improving your bite function.
Schedule Your Appointment
Contact Dr. Stuart Dexter, Prosthodontist in Prairie Village, KS by calling 913-362-8200 to schedule your next appointment with our office, and reach out today to learn more about the art of prosthetics.