Prosthodontics, also known as dental prosthetics or prosthetic dentistry, is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.
A fixed prosthesis is something that does not leave the mouth once inserted or placed. Examples include crowns and bridges. Removable prostheses can typically be taken in and out of the mouth. Examples of these include partial dentures and complete dentures. Dental implants can be used to support crowns on the back teeth (premolars and molars) and to support a lower complete denture. These implant services are available in the D.M.D. student dental clinic.
There are four clinics at the University of Florida College of Dentistry that provide prosthodontics services. These areas are Faculty Practice, Maxillofacial Prosthetic Services, Graduate Prosthodontics, and the D.M.D. student dental clinic.
Questions And Answers
What is prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Graduate programs in prosthodontics include classroom lectures and seminars, laboratory and clinical training in esthetics/cosmetics, crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, complete and removable partial dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures, congenital or birth anomalies to teeth, snoring, sleep disorders, and oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care. Prosthodontists are masters of complete oral rehabilitation. A prosthodontist is dedicated to the highest standards of care in the restoration and replacement of teeth.
Who is a prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the esthetic restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists receive two or three years of additional training after dental school, and restore optimum appearance and function to your smile. Additional training for prosthodontists is earned through a hospital- or university-based program accredited by the American Dental Association. The training includes reviews of the literature, lectures, treatment of patients and laboratory experience in fabricating restorations. A prosthodontist is the skilled architect who can restore optimum function and appearance to your smile.
What is a dental specialty?
A dental specialty is an area of dentistry that has been formally recognized by the American Dental Association as meeting the requirements for recognition of dental specialists. The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties: Public Health Dentistry, Endodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (Oral Surgeon), Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.
What is a dental specialist?
A dental specialist is a dentist who has received additional post-graduate training after dental school. The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties: Public Health Dentistry, Endodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (Oral Surgeon), Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.
Why visit a prosthodontist?
You may want to visit a prosthodontist if you are missing one or more teeth; you are interested in dental implants; you wear dentures or removable partial dentures; or you want to improve the esthetics of your smile.