Introduction

There are numerous branches of dentistry. People are familiar with most branches. Well-Known branches include general dentistry as well as orthodontics. However, there is one field that people often get work in and they have no idea. The field I am speaking of is prosthodontics. Prosthodontics is a major branch of dentistry and serves a variety of key functions. All procedures in this field are performed by a prosthodontist. Prosthodontist start out as general dentists. They then complete an additional two or three years to specialize in the field and become prosthodontists.

What Is Prosthodontics? 

Prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the esthetic restoration of teeth. This is a broad category that deals with everything from congenital birth abnormalities to TMJ jaw disorders.

Common Procedures Performed By A Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists perform a plethora of different dental procedures. While they deal with a lot of rare problems that require their specialty training, there is a list of common procedures that many people have gotten. These procedures are normally performed by a general Riverside CA dentist if they are not very severe. If they are severe then a prosthodontist will have to perform the procedure.

Common Procedures

Bridges – A bridge is used when there is an enormous gap in the teeth that is two-sided. It is easiest to understand dental bridges by imaging that you have two teeth with a gap in the middle. An artificial tooth is then glued to each tooth with cement to hold it on both sides.

Veneers – Veneers are one of the hottest things in dentistry right now and for good reason. Veneers can be used to do a multitude of things and serve a multitude of functions. Many people get veneers because they have yellow teeth that simply will not whiten due to loss of enamel. Veneers can also be used for those who have a lot of misshapen teeth. With veneers, a porcelain covering is placed on top of every single tooth. For minor alignment problems, veneers can be a viable alternative to braces.

Crowns – When you chip a tooth, the best option is to put a crown on it. Crowns are easy to put on, effective, and very affordable. Crowns can last for over 20 years before needing to be replaced.

Dental Implants – In cases where people are missing lots of teeth, dental implants can be a great alternative to dentures. With dental implants, a screw is placed directly into the bones above the gum. This effectively replicates the feeling of a real tooth completely.

Lumineers – Lumineers are a new and exciting technology that are meant to be an upgrade to veneers. Lumineers are thinner and easier to put on than veneers. They also are much less painful as the veneer process can really hurt.

Complete & Partial Dentures – For those who cannot afford dental implants, dentures are essentially the only option. Prosthodontist specialize in putting on both partial and complete dentures.