When it comes to dental care, many people are familiar with general dentists who provide routine dental services like check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
However, there is a lesser-known but equally important dental specialist called a prosthodontist.
In this blog post, we will explore the differences between a prosthodontist and a general dentist to understand their roles and expertise in the field of dentistry.
The first noticeable difference between a prosthodontist and a general dentist lies in their education and training.
Both begin by completing an undergraduate degree program followed by attending dental school to earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
However, their paths diverge after dental school.
A general dentist completes their education after dental school and can start practicing immediately.
On the other hand, a prosthodontist undergoes additional, extensive training. After dental school, prosthodontists complete three additional years of advanced specialty training in prosthodontics.
During this period, they focus on complex restorative and prosthetic procedures, including the restoration and replacement of missing teeth with dental implants, bridges, dentures, and other artificial substitutes. Essentially, prosthodontists specialize in the dental specialty known as prosthodontics.
The main difference between a prosthodontist and a general dentist lies in their expertise and the scope of treatments they provide.
General dentists offer a wide range of dental services aimed at maintaining oral health and preventing dental diseases.
These include routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, root canals, and simple tooth extractions.
Meanwhile, prosthodontists specialize in more complex procedures involving the restoration and replacement of teeth and oral structures.
Their expertise lies in designing, constructing, and fitting various prosthetic dental solutions to restore oral function, aesthetics, and comfort.
Some of the specialized treatments provided by prosthodontists include:
Prosthodontists often play a crucial role in comprehensive treatment planning for complex cases.
With their specialized knowledge of advanced restorative procedures, they collaborate with general dentists and other dental specialists to provide integrated and multidisciplinary care.
Prosthodontists evaluate each patient's oral health, functional needs, and aesthetic goals to develop customized treatment plans that address their specific requirements.
While general dentists are the primary providers of routine dental care, prosthodontists offer specialized expertise in restoring and replacing missing teeth and oral structures.
Their advanced training, precise skills, and focus on complex prosthetic procedures set them apart from general dentists.
Whether it's dental implants, dentures, bridges, or crowns, prosthodontists are the go-to specialists for patients seeking comprehensive and advanced dental care.
By working together, general dentists and prosthodontists ensure the best possible oral health outcomes for their patients.
The Center for Dental Restorations is a team led by a highly trained and well experienced prosthodontist, Dr. MacPherson. She is the only female board certified prosthodontist in San Diego. You can learn more about her here.
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