There are many specialties within the field of dentistry, and determining which specialist provides which treatment can sometimes become tricky. Depending on your dental issue, you may need to see a dentist, periodontist, oral surgeon or prosthodontist, or all of the above to successfully treat one particular matter.
For example, treatment for severe tooth decay due to periodontitis, better known as gum disease, may start with your family dentist, who will most likely be the first to detect the issue and to consult and recommend a treatment plan in order to restore your oral health and function. A periodontist specializes in the study of the structure that supports the teeth, including the bone and gums. It is this specialist who will commonly extract the decayed teeth if they cannot be restored, treat the disease and restore oral health. If dental implants are recommended for tooth replacement, an oral surgeon or prosthodontist will commonly place and maintain the implants. The latter will often head the team of specialists if more than one specialist is needed to successfully restore oral health and missing teeth.
What is a Prosthodontist?
This dental professional receives three years of additional postgraduate specialty training after receiving a dental degree and specializes in prosthetic dentistry, which focuses on diagnosis and treatment of oral function and appearance for patients with edentulism (missing teeth) via the use of a manufactured replacement. This field is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA), and is the only dental specialty under which the concentration of cosmetic dentistry falls.
Prosthodontics refers to all phases of natural tooth replacement and refers to reconstruction utilizing implants, crowns, bridges, veneers and dentures. These specialists are also commonly deferred to for treatment of maxillofacial (jaw and face) abnormalities due to trauma, neglect or following treatments/surgery for oral cancer, and are often relied upon to provide treatments for jaw problems caused by TMJ and TMD, snoring disorders and sleep apnea problems.
Do I need a Prosthodontist to treat my dental issue?
Many of the more straight-forward natural tooth replacement procedures, such as the manufacture and fitting of a bridge, having a tooth crowned, or even having a full set of dentures placed are often performed by a general dentist. Depending on the training and experience that your dentist may have, this is usually an acceptable option in cases that do not involve unusual or extraordinary circumstances. A prosthodontist, who is well trained to diagnose, treat and maintain all aspects of replacement therapies, may be recommended from the start if you are experiencing any atypical symptoms or there is indication of possible complications. In many cases, your dentist may start a replacement procedure and only recommend that you see a specialist if unforeseen complications arise.
Although many dentists who specialize in prosthetic dentistry choose to work independently, some modern dental practices provide the services of specialists within the same dental office so that a more comprehensive treatment can be provided to the patient. When searching for the best treatment options, it is usually best to consult with your dentist about the treatment plan they have laid out for you, and remember to ask questions regarding the procedures and dental professional who is recommended to perform them.
For more information about the prosthodontic dentistry services offered in our Astoria, Queens dental office, contact Park Dental Care at 718-274-1515.
