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Teeth play a vital role in the health of your mouth, taking on both functional and aesthetic roles. Healthy teeth aid in chewing and speaking, fill out the cheeks, and provide beauty for the smile. If you have ever lost a tooth and needed complicated dental work such as dental implants, your general dentist may have referred you to a prosthodontist for care. But, what exactly is a prosthodontist? And more specifically, what do they do? Get to know your prosthodontist in Gainesville, FL, by learning about their special training and skills.

5 Things You Should Know about Prosthodontists

  1. Prosthodontics is one of the nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
  2. Prosthodontists attend three additional years of advanced clinical training and education beyond dental school.
  3. Prosthodontists have a special, advanced understanding of functional problems of the teeth and jaw and how they relate to the aesthetics of the face.
  4. Prosthodontists are specialized in complex diagnosis and treatment planning, and in the restoration and replacement of the teeth and jaw structures.
  5. Prosthodontists are highly skilled in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry, dental implants, full mouth reconstruction, dentures, crowns and bridges, traumatic injury, and treatment of TMJ disorder.

More than a general dentist, a prosthodontist has the expertise and training required to provide specialized care for more complex functional and aesthetic problems. If you are missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch of teeth, a prosthodontist is qualified to replace and restore missing teeth in the most aesthetic way possible using dental implants, bridges, dentures, or another method.

Drs. Justin Craighead and Ada Parra are both prosthodontists in Gainesville, FL, and are experienced in simple to complex rehabilitation of the teeth and jaw. They are members of prestigious organizations within the dental field, including the American Dental Association and the American College of Prosthodontists. We welcome new patients, especially those with missing teeth, and encourage you to contact our office for an appointment!

What is a Prosthodontist?

The American Dental Association lists prosthodontics among the nine recognized dental specialties. A Gainesville dentist must go through classroom lectures, seminars, laboratories and attend clinical training for this specialty. This program can last anywhere from two to three years on top of their core dental program.

As part of their education, this professional is required to go through specialty training for several conditions. They include:

  • Birth Anomalies
  • Bridges
  • Congenital Defects
  • Esthetics of Dentistry
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Crowns
  • Dentures (Complete, partial and removable)
  • Inlays
  • Oral Cancer
  • Reconstruction
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Snoring
  • TMD Jaw Joint Problems
  • Traumatic Injury
  • Veneers

These individuals are specialists of the mouth. Their focus is on treating and providing complete oral rehabilitation for the patient. When you have a prosthodontist as your Gainesville dentist, you’ll have peace of mind they understand the restoration and replacement process. They’ll also practice at the highest industry standards.

Isn’t a Prosthodontist Just A Regular Dentist?

A lot of what a prosthodontist appears to do seems like regular dentistry. But while there is some crossover, the prosthodontist specializes in the replacement and restoration of teeth. They also go through two to three years of advanced training after dental school. This allows them to restore the natural look of your smile.

In order to specialize in this, a Gainesville dentist must attend a university or hospital program. This residency program must be approved by the American Dental Association. As part of the training, there are literature, lectures and treatment of actual patients required. This individual can then restore the function and health of your mouth.

This is a Highly Specialized Field

In the United States, there are approximately 170,000 general dentists. Considering there are over 321,000,000 people, there is a need for more dentists. Prosthodontists are even less common. Only 3,200 are currently licensed to provide their services.

Who Should Consider Visiting a Prosthodontist?

For your routine care, a Gainesville dentist can handle the cleaning and minor treatment of your teeth. A prosthodontist, in turn, is for those who are missing one or more teeth. These professionals will help with dental implants. They can also help you with dentures or if you want to improve the aesthetics of your smile.

How Can a Prosthodontist Restore My Teeth?

To help repair your teeth, the prosthodontist will use one of several options. They include:

  • Bridges
  • Dental Implants
  • Dentures (Complete and Removable Partial Dentures)
  • Lost Tooth Replacement

Why Can’t I Just Go to My Dentist?

Dentists focus on the basics of dental care. They are preventative and handle minor oral health concerns. A prosthodontist restores and replaces teeth. They go through specialized training for their position. They work closely with general dentists and other specialists in order to help restore the health of your mouth.

If you suffer from an advanced condition like cleft palate, oral cancer, TMD or other traumatic injuries, contact a Gainesville dentist who specializes in Prosthodontics. Their rigorous training will help to restore your smile and the health of your mouth.

Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team
Before & Afters  - The Premier Dental Team

Dr. Ada Parra and Dr. Justin Craighead are proud to serve as the only specialist team offering the expertise of both a prosthodontist and periodontist in Gainesville, FL.

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