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What is a Prosthodontist?

Your smile . Our specialty

go to a prosthodontist for improved oral health outcome

Is a prosthodontist different from a “cosmetic dentist“?  The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, and the ADA does not include “cosmetic dentistry” as a specialty.  After4 years of dental school, it requires an additional 3 years to become a prosthodontist – receiving extensive training and experience in dental esthetics/ cosmetic dentistry.  Unlike a prosthodontist,  many “cosmetic dentists” receive training during seminars or a series of courses, but this training is usually limited to weekend or possibly week-long courses.

The term “prostho” means replacement and “dontist” means dealing with teeth. A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school plus three additional years of advanced training and education in an ADA-accredited prosthodontic graduate program.

Rigorous training provides prosthodontists with a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth, and the creation of an aesthetic and functional tooth replacements. A prosthodontist possesses both the knowledge and exclusive training to perform and design for long-term.

                        Essentially, they are THE recognized experts, in treating, restoring and handling dental and facial problems that involve restoring a wide range of simple to complicated full mouth restorations that may involve crownsveneersbridgesdenturesdental implants, or mixed implant , natural tooth restorations  and routine dental care. They are skilled in the management of TMJ-jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures and/or teeth, snoring or sleep disorders. While many other dentists can do some of these treatments, due to their additional extensive training, prosthodontists are the specialists  in “long-term dental risk management” and all phases of esthetic mouth restoration. Dedicated to this type of care, they are considered the leaders of the dental treatment plan. They regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions for your dental needs.

Why See a Prosthodontist?

Experience matters. When you need specialized care,  you need a specialized caregiver. 

By referring you to a specialist, your dentist /doctor is showing a strong commitment to your dental health.  Your general dentist, other dental specialists and health care professionals may refer you to  Dr. Fotoohi  for treating more complex cases.   Serving as the “architect” of a dental treatment plan, prosthodontists collaborate with them to develop solutions to your dental concerns. 

We’re not just your prosthodontist,  we are your teammates in improving your oral health,  improving your smile & health. To learn more, please just call us at  301-652-5666 to schedule an appointment.

When would you need the care of a prosthodontist? 

-if you are missing one or more teeth

– if you are interested in dental implants

-if you wear DENTURES  or removable partial dentures

– or you just want to improve your smile

– for diagnosis, treatment planning,  rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function and health, comfort,  for “natural-looking” appearance : using a number of different services including veneers,  inlay/onlays,  bondingteeth whitening, and CROWNS.

 
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