When You Should See a Prosthodontist
If you are missing a tooth, you’re not alone. Over 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one. In fact, about one quarter of all adults over 65 have no remaining teeth. Simply put, missing teeth is a common predicament. So, what do you do and where do you go when you lost a tooth? Where’s the best place to get new teeth? To whom will you trust your smile? Read on to discover why the best choice for your teeth replacement care is a prosthodontist.
What’s a prosthodontist?
The sole focus of a prosthodontist’s care is tooth replacement and restorative dentistry. And only two percent of American dentists have been trained in prosthodontics, a highly specialized branch of dentistry that is all about restoring and enhancing smiles. Prosthodontists diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, design, and fit prostheses that help maintain oral function and aesthetics. We treat patients who have clinical conditions associated with their jaw, teeth, and oral tissues. Trusting your care to a prosthodontist is putting your mouth in the hands of experts.
Prosthodontists – Extensive Education
As specialists in diagnosing, restoring, and replacing missing teeth, prosthodontists have undergone three rigorous years of training in addition to completing the four years of their DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). Their extensive education gives them a keen understanding of the dynamics of a smile and makes them a cut above when it comes to placing facial prosthetics and restorations, like dental implants, veneers, crowns, and dentures.
What’s a maxillofacial prosthodontist?
Drs. Gulbransen and Recksiedler (two of just 200 maxillofacial prosthodontists in the United States) went on to complete a 1-year fellowship after their 3-year residencies to become maxillofacial prosthodontists. There are only 14 maxillofacial prosthetic fellowship programs in the world, seven of which are in the United States. You can read more about Dr. Gulbransen’s education and expertise here and Dr. Recksiedler’s education and expertise here.
ADA-Approved Sub-Specialty
Prosthodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA), and the ADA requires all prosthodontists to complete a rigorous ADA-credited prosthodontic education program. Prosthodontists are guided through an intense curriculum on the use of advanced techniques and procedures that treat complex dental problems. From replacing missing tooth to treating advanced deterioration that demands more invasive care, Drs. Gulbransen and Recksiedler are equipped to fully restore your smile, both functionally and aesthetically.
Comprehensive Care
It’s common for prosthodontists to collaborate with general dentists and other specialists, and we do, but thanks to our on-site dental lab and skilled doctors, we are also able to provide comprehensive care under one roof, saving you time and money. Not only do we serve as an architect of sorts for your dental treatment planning, but we are highly trained to offer oral surgical care for implant dentures, veneers, crowns, bridges, traditional complete and partial dentures, and oral cancer reconstruction.
Ready to enjoy complete management of your condition at our La Mesa, CA office?
From your initial diagnosis to your final visit, we are dedicated to providing you with exceptional care.