To the average person, there isn’t always a clear difference between different dental specializations. You may deal with general or pediatric dentists, orthodontists, periodontists, or prosthodontists throughout your life. Each has unique skill sets to address specific dental health issues, and you need to know which is right for your case.
What Exactly Is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist in Atlanta treats issues related to missing, seriously damaged, or decayed teeth. They focus on restoring the health, function, and appearance of your smile and use a variety of different treatment options to do so.
When you visit a prosthodontist, they’ll carefully evaluate your needs to find the right tooth restoration or replacement option. This process often includes a variety of scans using the latest technology. Prosthodontists also work with external labs to create custom artificial teeth called dental prostheses.
A prosthodontist combines the latest scientific treatment methods and smile design artistry to deliver amazing patient results in many different situations. They provide effective solutions for individuals who have seen their smiles affected by trauma, disease, and age.
What Kinds of Situations Can Call for Prosthodontics?
There are many different cases when you should choose a prosthodontist in Atlanta over a general dentist. Their specific training makes them better suited to provide the treatment planning and procedures you’ll need to restore your smile.
Missing teeth are among the most common cases treated by prosthodontists. Whether you’re missing one, several, or all of your teeth, a prosthodontist can provide the broadest range of treatment options for your smile.
This can include treatments such as dental crowns and bridges, which can replace teeth in different situations. For individuals missing all of their teeth, a prosthodontist can provide options such as dental implants or traditional dentures.
Prosthodontists also provide oral appliances to treat a variety of conditions. Mouth guards and oral splints are custom-made to fit your smile perfectly. They can protect your teeth from grinding at night or from damage during sports activity. In some cases, oral appliances can also effectively relieve sleep apnea and snoring.
If you’ve experienced dental trauma due to a physical accident, a prosthodontist is likely the best type of dentist to visit. However, other injuries to the head could warrant visiting an emergency room first. A prosthodontist also handles tooth loss and damage caused by gum disease, tooth decay, and other conditions.
Can Prosthodontists Provide Other Care Too?
A prosthodontist isn’t necessarily a dentist who only deals with missing teeth. They have the education, experience, and certification that general dentists have alongside their specialization. This means that they can also provide for other aspects of your family’s dental care.
While some prosthodontists practice only specialized care, others provide comprehensive dentistry. At Dental Implant & Aesthetic Specialists, Dr. Brett Langston provides a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and other dental procedures to meet your family’s needs.
Choosing a dental practice specializing in prosthodontics as your home for general dental care provides many benefits. You’ll enjoy the routine care you need to stay healthy. Then, when more serious issues arise, you can find the procedures you need in-house instead of being referred to an unfamiliar specialist.
Your prosthodontist can provide routine teeth cleaning, exams, and fluoride treatment. You’ll also have access to various cosmetic dentistry treatments to improve your smile, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and more.
What Happens if I Don’t Visit the Right Type of Dentist?
Choosing the right dentist for your needs is essential to find the proper care. If your dentist doesn’t have the experience and technology to provide prosthodontic care, they may have to refer you to a specialist. This can cause a variety of complications with your schedule and your insurance.
While a general dentist can refer you to a specialist when you need additional care, there are benefits to choosing a dentist with prosthodontic experience. They have a more comprehensive knowledge base to evaluate and diagnose complex issues. You can find more robust treatment planning by starting with a prosthodontist.
Your Full-Service Prosthodontist in our Atlanta Dental Office
Dr. Brett Langston is your prosthodontist in Atlanta for any tooth replacement and restoration needs, including crowns, dentures, dental implants, and more. You can take advantage of comprehensive dental care for you and your family by scheduling your appointment today at Dental Implant & Aesthetic Specialists dental clinic.