A prosthodontist near me is a dentist with extra training in cosmetic dental care and complex restoration needs. They also have advanced knowledge in the fitting, maintenance, and repair of dental appliances like dentures and dental implants.
Prosthodontic treatments include filling gaps left by missing teeth, fixing crooked teeth, or replacing damaged jaw structures. Some of the most common procedures they perform are crowns and veneers.
1. Location
A prosthodontist near you can make your dental health care a much more convenient experience. Choosing one within a reasonable radius will ensure that you can easily attend your twice-yearly checkups and get the help you need.
Besides helping patients with teeth restorations, prosthodontists are adept at reconstructing the bite and improving smile aesthetics. They can repair problems with the jaw (TMD/TMJ), alleviate severe snoring and sleep disorders, and even oversee complex oral cancer reconstructions.
It’s best to choose a prosthodontist who has an excellent reputation. Take the time to read online reviews and ask around your community for recommendations. Then, decide on a radius that works for your schedule and budget. You should also look for a prosthodontist who offers the services you need, such as dental implant surgery and dentures. For example, Dr. Schweitzer attended New York University College of Dentistry on a merit full-scholarship and graduated top of his class. He subsequently completed a General Practice Residency at Montefiore Medical Center and was part of the Advanced Prosthodontics Training Program.
2. Reputation
When looking for a prosthodontist, reputation is important. Many people look at online reviews to help them decide whether a dentist is right for them. People also often seek referrals from friends and family members to find a prosthodontist they trust.
Prosthodontists have specialized education that sets them apart from other dental practitioners. Their training includes both foundational oral health care and advanced restorative techniques. In addition, prosthodontists must be board certified to ensure that they are knowledgeable about the latest dental practices and are able to deliver excellent results for their patients.
Prosthodontists are adept at delivering comprehensive treatment plans. They offer treatments such as dental implant surgery, bone grafting, and other periodontal procedures to support restorations. They can also provide partial dentures and other removable appliances, such as dental bridges, to fill gaps in a patient’s smile. They are also capable of treating jaw problems, alleviating snoring and sleep apnea, and reconstructing teeth following cancer or other serious oral diseases.
3. Specialties
Prosthodontists are trained to address a variety of dental issues, including dental injuries, missing teeth, and jaw problems. They can help patients restore a functional and healthy mouth through fixed or removable prosthetic treatments.
While general dentists are trained to handle most basic dental procedures, they often refer their patients to prosthodontists for more specialized treatment. For example, a dentist may refer someone to prosthodontist for a partial denture that helps fill gaps in a smile.
Prosthodontist specialists are considered masters of crowns, bridges, and porcelain veneers, as well as dental implants, temporomandibular joint related disorders (TMD), and snoring or sleep issues. They also offer a wide range of cosmetic services to improve the look and feel of a patient’s smile.
Choosing a prosthodontist near you who offers the specialized care that you need is essential to getting the best restorative dental care. Take the time to research different prosthodontists to find the one that offers the solutions that you need for your smile.
4. How Well Do They Fit Your Budget?
Choosing a restorative dentist is a big decision, and it’s worth it to take your time in finding the right fit. You want a prosthodontist who operates within your general radius and has an outstanding reputation, but it’s also important to consider how well their services fit into your budget.
Prosthodontists are highly specialized in rebuilding damaged tooth structure, replacing missing teeth, creating a functional bite and enhancing smile aesthetics through the design, fabrication and placement of custom dental restorations and prosthetics. They may also provide periodontal care, bone grafts, and general dental treatment services.
A prosthodontist who has achieved board certification has completed an ADA-accredited post-graduate prosthodontic program and passed a four-part exam administered by the American Board of Prosthodontics. The process is designed to identify prosthodontists who possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to practice at the highest level of their field. Dr. Schweitzer is a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and maintains membership in other prominent professional organizations.