Prosthetic dentistry
Prosthodontics
The division of dentistry concerned with the design, manufacture and fitting of artificial replacements of teeth and other parts of the mouth
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What is a Prosthodontist?
Prosthodontics is the Dental Specialty primarily concerned with the restoration and replacement of lost or damaged teeth. Prosthodontists are often referred as the "architects of smile", as they are highly trained specialists with a unique understanding of all the elements that go into a beautiful, functional and natural-looking smile. Not just the teeth, but also the gums, lips and other facial features.
Prosthodontists combine their specialised education with countless hours of clinical experience, and can bring their skills to bear on simple or complex restorations. When it comes to planning and carrying out a full-scale smile makeover, a team of dental professionals is often required. That team is nearly always captained by a prosthodontist.
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What additional training do they have?
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After 5 years of basic training to obtain a dental degree and a minimum two years of working and training within a practice and hospital environment, prosthodontists have to complete an accredited 3 year full time residency program, which provides them with extensive didactic knowledge as well as laboratory and clinical expertise in all aspects of restorative dentistry. This mainly includes crowns, bridges, veneers, complex restorations, dental implants, smile makeovers and dentures. They also receive comprehensive training in the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), trauma to the oral structures and congenital birth anomalies such as cleft palate. They are also trained to manage and treat bruxism (tooth grinding), as well as provide dental treatment on cancer patients.
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