Who would benefit from a prosthodontist?
Anyone. From the restoration of a single front tooth to the complete rehabilitation of extremely worn teeth, pleasing esthetic and functional results are critical to both the patient and the practitioner. Prosthodontists are uniquely qualified by their training, the selection of dental materials, and the use of various types of restorations, to find the solution that fulfills each patient's desires.
Are Dentists and Prosthodontists interchangeable because they often do the same work?
No. General dentists earn a four-year degree at an accredited institution and then immediately begin accepting patients. Prosthodontists are specialists recognized by the ADA who have trained for 3 or more years beyond dental school to become the architects of dental reconstruction. Additionally, prosthodontists have completed a multitude of complex dental treatments before they receive their certificate, many more than if they practiced in a general dentist's office. A prosthodontist focuses specifically in these complex treatments for the entire 3+ years of training beyond dental school.
Has technology taken the skill out of being a dentist, making some procedures like implants and crowns routine, and therefore, I should seek treatment based on price alone?
Although technology is an important tool to be embraced, hand skills are critical and often overlooked component of superior dentistry. Implants, starting with extractions and placements, are surgical procedures requiring years of training and experience. Crowns start with the prosthodontist's vision of the final product-part science, part art.
Are the fastest dentists, the best dentists (because they really know what they are doing)?
Prosthodontists strive for perfection. This can mean laboring for hours on a single tooth in a dental laboratory while working at precise tolerances measured in microns, about the diameter of a human hair. The specialist is concerned about a crown's color, shape, balance, and translucence. Natural teeth are not perfect; they are often translucent at the tips and require specific characterization.
Are Prosthodontists more expensive than general dentists?
This is not necessarily the case. Many times a prosthodontist simply treatment plan from a comprehensive approach. Treatment fees, per procedure, are often comparable. When considering the added education, and usually a higher quality laboratory, most prosthodontics patients agree that a smile is an investment that can change your life.
Are dental implant procedures wildly expensive?
No. Single tooth implants are often comparable to the cost of a bridge that replaces a tooth. Prices reflect the complexity and choice of materials. Deficient bone volume also increases the price of dental implant treatment. While prosthodontists are natural perfectionists wanting to deliver only the finest possible results, they are also sensitive to the financial realities and will work with you to discover a dental solution that meets your needs. Dr. Horton offers several financing options.
