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PROSTHODONTICS
An Intro to the Dental Specialty of Prosthodontics
The importance of the field of prosthodontics is such that it is one of the few dental specialties approved and recognized by the American Dental Association. As of current, only a select group of dentists become prosthodontists.
Prosthodontics refers to the dental specialty that involves taking care of the overall oral health of a client, paying special attention to the effects of dental procedures on his appearance and his general health. Specifically, it deals with restoring damaged teeth with restorations made from metal, ceramic, or a combination of both. It also involves replacing missing teeth with fixed prostheses. It spans the fields of diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the different oral functions.
Different prosthodontic disciplines
There are many disciplines under the specialty of prosthodontics. Some of these disciplines are as follows:
Contemporary fixed prosthesis
Removable prosthesis
Implant-based prosthesis
Maxillofacial prosthetics
Dental material science, and
Dental laboratory technology
The maxillofacial prosthodontist
The field of prosthodontics is further divided into different subspecialties, and maxillofacial prosthodontics is one of them. Before a dentist can be called a maxillofacial prosthodontist, he must undergo several years of additional dental training, with specific concentration on the ability to treat patients with acquired and congenital defects in the maxillofacial region. This region pertains to the area around the head and neck. The maxillofacial prosthodontist usually works in tandem with other health specialists and doctors in order to provide utmost care and service to the patient.
Common prosthodontic procedures
Prosthodontists are known for their ability to fix oral problems. The more common procedures done by prosthodontists revolve around the following problems:
Cleft palate
Congenital and developmental mouth defects
Aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry
Teeth grinding and night guards
Teeth whitening
Sleep apnea, and
Other dental procedures such as bridges, dentures, crowns and caps, Dental Implants, and veneers
Whenever you wish to have one of the aforementioned procedures done, make sure you choose your prosthodontist well. You may refer to the official directory of the prosthodontist association in your area for guidance.
After you have selected a prosthodontist, have an exhaustive meeting with him. He will be the best person to answer all your questions. Listen carefully to his proposed treatment plan and do not hesitate to have him enumerate the pros and cons that come with it. Remember that you are talking to an expert who, with your total cooperation, can give you back your winning smile..
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