Your primary dentist can provide some of the more invasive treatments, such as endodontics, but they may also refer you to a specialist. Dental specialists include endodontists, periodontists and prosthodontists. An endodontist specializes in endodontic therapy, which involves removing infection from inside a tooth and sealing it against future inflammation and infections. Other types of care from an endodontist include endodontic retreatment and root surgery.
Root canals have had a bad reputation, with many people believing they are painful, that trauma can cause a fever, or that an extraction is a better option. The term “prosthesis” means replacement and “doncist” means treating teeth. Prosthodontists are the experts when you need to replace anything in your mouth, from a single tooth to all of the teeth and gums in the mouth. While other dentists can perform some of these treatments, prosthodontists specialize in this type of care.
So, do prosthodontists perform root canals? A prosthodontist is a professional who helps people recover their smile after losing teeth or having them repaired. They place crowns or caps on teeth after receiving endodontic treatment, and they specialize in repairing natural teeth and replacing them with artificial teeth (dentures), dental implants, caps, or crowns. Prosthodontists also work with people with head and neck deformities, replacing missing parts of the jaw and face. A prosthodontist attends four years of dental school to become a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
When you need a crown after a root canal, a prosthodontist is the one who places it on your teeth. They are also experts in cosmetic dentistry. Generally, when choosing between a prosthodontist and an endodontist, you'll use the referral given to you by your dentist. A dental laboratory technician is a trained professional who manufactures dental restorations according to designs and instructions provided by a prosthodontist.
Prosthodontists create dental implants for patients which consist of a titanium pole and a false tooth. The American College of Prosthodontists is the organization of dentists with advanced specialized training who create optimal oral health, both in function and appearance. When a patient's tooth cannot be saved through endodontic care, a prosthodontist can help remove the tooth and find a replacement option for the patient. Your prosthodontist may also recommend physical therapy or prescribe medications to relieve pain.
In conclusion, prosthodontists have advanced training in the field of aesthetic restoration and tooth replacement. They design dental implants for patients and transfer the actual surgical procedure to another specialist. A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school plus at least three additional years of training and advanced education in a CODA accredited graduate program in prosthodontics.