What is a Prosthodontist?

The term Prosthodontist refers to a specialty in Dentistry involved in the replacement, rebuilding, or repair of missing or broken-down teeth by means of crowns, bridges, complete or partial dentures, or implants.  All dentists must complete a prescribed course of prosthodontic study during their undergraduate work toward their degree.  If a dentist choses, he may apply for acceptance into a graduate program in Prosthodontics after he has successfully completed his/her 4-year degree (DDS/DMD).  Upon being accepted into an accredited Graduate Program in Prosthodontics, the dentist/student will spend two years in an intensive program of study involving all aspects of complex dental restorative problems.  The dentist-student will immerse himself in all areas of dentistry related to the loss or breakdown of the oral structures, including Periodontics (the study of the soft tissues and bone which support the teeth), Endodontics (the study of the internal structures of the tooth, i.e., nerve, blood vessel, etc.), Oral Surgery (the study of removal of teeth, bone structures, and placement of implants), and Orthodontics (the study of movement of teeth, and how it relates to replacement of missing teeth).  He/She must then learn to apply these other disciplines to successfully rebuild, repair, or restore the damaged and compromised chewing surfaces of teeth.  Another very import aspect of properly rebuilding the occlusion (the bite) is to understand how it relates to the joints an muscles that control the movements of the jaw.  This is more commonly known as TMJ or TMD therapy.  The complex interplay between biting surfaces of the teeth, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, will all impact how the final "rebuilding" of the occlusion will function and feel.

After completing a thorough academic program of study, combined with an extensive program of completed clinical treatment of a wide range of patients, the dentist is awarded a certificate signifying completion of the prescribed course of study, and has earned the title of Board-eligible Prosthodontist.