What is our specialty?
Whether you are a new patient or have been with us for a while, you may not completely understand what a Prosthodontist is. We hope this information will help you realize the value of treatment by a dental specialist.
What is a prosthodontist?
A Specialist Prosthodontist is a Commonwealth Government accredited dental specialist, trained and qualified to perform reconstructive, aesthetic and implant dentistry.
In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) states that the "Specialist Prosthodontist" title can only be used by those accredited to practice in the recognised Speciality of Prosthodontics.
When would you need the care of a prosthodontist?
You need the care of a prosthodontist if:
• You are missing one or more teeth.
• You are interested in dental implants.
• You wear dentures or removable partial dentures.
• You want to improve the aesthetics of your smile.
How is a prosthodontist different from other dentists and dental specialists?
The term “prostho” means replacement and “dontist” means dealing with teeth. Essentially, prosthodontists are THE recognized experts when anything needs to be replaced in your mouth. This can range from a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth and gums in the mouth! While many other dentists can do some or all of these treatments, prosthodontists are the specialists dedicated to this type of care.
Prosthodontists are also considered the “architect” of the dental treatment plan. They regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions for your dental needs.
How are Specialist Prosthodontists educated, trained and accredited?
The specialist prosthodontist pathway includes a minimum of 8 years dental and prosthodontic training, with at least 3 years of specialist postgraduate training at a university that is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC), leading to the degree of a Master of Dental Science (Prosthodontics).
What options do prosthodontists offer to restore your teeth?
Prosthodontists offer several options such as implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, full dentures, and partial dentures. Click here to see the range of our services.
What other ailments are prosthodontists trained to treat?
Prosthodontists also understand patients’ unique needs such as:
• TMD, TMJ or other jaw joint problems
• Traumatic injuries
• Snoring and sleep disorders
• Cleft palate and other congenital conditions that affect the mouth.
Rigorous training and experience provide prosthodontists with a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile and the preservation of a healthy mouth.
What does full mouth reconstruction mean?
In general, any dental treatment that affects all teeth in the mouth is called full mouth reconstruction or full mouth rehabilitation. Prosthodontists are the recognized experts in such treatments. The treatments can range from crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures that will essentially provide a “smile makeover” for the patient. You may want to seek the care of a prosthodontist for your specific needs.