Periodontics and prosthodontics are two dental specialties that may sound similar but are quite different. Periodontists specialize in treating the tissues that surround teeth, while prosthodontists make and place dentures, bridges, and other appliances for people who have missing teeth. A periodontist is the specialist to see if you have gum disease or need to replace several teeth, as they are trained in modern techniques for performing plastic surgery and dental implants. Periodontists attend a three-year periodontics training program to gain specialized knowledge. Prosthodontists, on the other hand, treat the mouth as a whole and not as a particular area.
They also undergo specialized training that spans two years. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the soft tissues of the mouth and the underlying jaw that supports the teeth. To qualify as a periodontist, a dentist must first graduate from an accredited dental school before completing an additional three years of study within a residency training program in periodontics. A prosthodontist is a specialist who treats dental and facial problems that involve replacing missing teeth, restoring the jaw, and is trained to treat TMJ disorder, place dental crowns and bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Prosthodontists can work with people who have birth defects or injuries that have affected their ability to communicate, so they must be compassionate and have strong communication skills. Prosthodontists take a whole-mouth approach and receive intensive training that goes beyond general dentistry to focus on some of the most advanced procedures in dentistry.
While many other dentists can perform some of these treatments, prosthodontists are the specialists who dedicate themselves to this type of care. Periodontist patients are often elderly because they are the ones who are likely to develop gum problems, but prosthodontists treat patients of all ages. After completing 3 or more years of specialized training, prosthodontists are well versed in aesthetic and restorative dental procedures. Periodontists and prosthodontists work indoors in similar environments and may be asked to review x-rays and explain treatment options to their patients. Prosthodontists must complete at least three additional years of graduate training after dental school in an ADA-accredited prosthodontic program. Aspiring periodontists and prosthodontists may be interested in other dental specialties, such as being an orthodontist.
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who generally performs procedures such as placing and restoring dental implants, applying dental crowns, creating dental bridges, and creating other dental prostheses, such as 26% partial full dentures for full oral rehabilitation. Those considering becoming prosthodontists may want to consider the work that speech pathologists do, since speech pathologists also work with patients who have oral problems that affect their ability to speak or swallow. While some general dentists perform aesthetic and restorative dentistry, there is a significantly different level of skill and experience between a general dentist and a prosthodontist. A prosthodontist specializes in restoring or replacing teeth using implants, veneers, crowns, bridges, and other methods. Prosthodontist and why it's best for you to visit an office that has both types of specialists on staff. Basically, prosthodontists are THE recognized experts when you need to replace anything in your mouth. On the other hand, prosthodontists treat facial and dental disorders that result from tooth loss or jaw problems.
