Prosthodontist Los Angeles, CA
Prosthodontics is a field within dentistry that focuses on restoring missing or deficient teeth. The term comes from the words "prostho," meaning replacement, and "dontics" referring to the teeth. Prosthodontists are dental specialists who treat patients using prosthetics such as crowns, implants, bridges, dentures, and bonding.
Prosthodontics is available at Westchester Dental Arts in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. We can help you better understand your condition and discuss treatment options that best suit your lifestyle. Call us today at (310) 954-3666 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
How Prosthodontist Differ From General Dentists
Prosthodontists are recognized as the go-to professionals for replacing anything in the mouth. While various types of dentists have some training in restorative dentistry, prosthodontists have years of additional education.
Upon completing dental school, prosthodontists must receive an extra three years of advanced training through a graduate program accredited by the American Dental Association. To ensure their skillsets match their knowledge, aspiring prosthodontists combine their specialized education with hours of clinical experience.
“To ensure their skillsets match their knowledge, aspiring prosthodontists combine their specialized education with hours of clinical experience.”
Board-Certified Prosthodontists
Many prosthodontists choose to seek board certification to set them even further apart from other dental professionals. This designation demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and ethical practices. Board certification also shows that the professional values the patient-doctor relationship and is devoted to advancing restorative dentistry.
To obtain board certification, a prosthodontist must successfully pass the American Board of Prosthodontics' four-part examination. The ABP requires certified professionals to undergo the recertification process every eight years to ensure they are current on best restorative practices.
“Many prosthodontists choose to seek board certification to set them even further apart from other dental professionals.”
Why Prosthodontics
Patients who can benefit from a prosthodontist's care and knowledge often have complex or atypical dental restoration needs. A prosthodontist can help with the following issues:
- Cleft palates or missing teeth
- Complete and removable partial dentures
- Complex care management
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Dental implants
- Oral cancer reconstruction
- Snoring and sleep disorders
- Temporomandibular joint syndrome/disorder
- Tooth replacement
- Traumatic facial injuries
While cosmetic dentists and general dentists can provide care for some of the above issues, consultation with a prosthodontist before undergoing dental restoration helps explore various treatment options. Prosthodontists have advanced training and utilize the most current restoration technology and techniques. Moreover, these professionals work with an understanding of the mouth's intricate dynamics, which helps achieve optimal smile makeover results.
“Prosthodontists have advanced training and utilize the most current restoration technology and techniques.”
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Treatments Covered by Prosthodontics
Each prosthodontist will vary in the treatments they offer. The Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre lists the treatments included under the branch of prosthodontics:
- Complete dentures: full set of artificial teeth
- Removable or fixed partial dentures: a set of teeth close together
- Overdentures: attach healthy teeth to artificial teeth
- Immediate dentures: placed immediately after an extraction
- Implants: artificial tooth roots implanted into the jawbone used as an attachment for a prosthetic
- Full mouth reconstruction: a combination of treatments done to completely restore aesthetic and oral function
- Maxillofacial prosthodontics: treatments for defects in the head and neck
- Aesthetic prosthodontics: treatments primarily done for aesthetic purposes
- Gnathology: treatment of temporomandibular joint and other related disorders
In some cases, only one or a few options will work for a patient due to conditions, medications, or complications they may have. Possible treatment options for each patient are discussed during the consultation appointment, and patients will be able to choose the one that works best for them.
“Possible treatment options for each patient are discussed during the consultation appointment, and patients will be able to choose the one that works best for them.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What makes prosthodontists different from general dentists?
Q. How can a prosthodontist become board-certified?
Q. Why should I see a prosthodontist over a cosmetic or general dentist?
Q. What treatments are covered by prosthodontics?
Q. What reconstructive dentistry options exist?
People Also Ask
Q. How does age affect your options when it comes to replacing missing teeth?
Q. What should I know about post-procedure care and adjusting to a healthy life?
Q. What are the different types of dentures?
Q. What can patients do to reduce their anxiety about receiving a dental implant?
Reconstructive Dentistry
Reconstructive, or restorative, dentistry refers to the practice of replacing missing or damaged teeth and falls under prosthodontics. Reconstructive dentistry includes full mouth reconstruction and other aesthetic and functional treatments for one or more missing teeth. Reconstruction is often necessary as it can help:
- Fill empty spaces in the mouth, keeping the teeth in proper alignment
- Replace teeth, making it easier to maintain good oral care habits and help prevent plaque build-up
- Improve patient health, appearance, and self-esteem
Reconstructive treatments can be done by a prosthodontist, dentist, or reconstructive dental professional. Treatment options include fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants. Reconstructive dentistry focuses primarily on both restoring aesthetic and oral function as well as reconstructing the mouth to prevent further dental complications from arising.
“Reconstructive, or restorative, dentistry refers to the practice of replacing missing or damaged teeth and falls under prosthodontics.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I seek a prosthodontist instead of a general dentist?
A. It is wise to choose a prosthodontist for reconstructive or restorative dental concerns as they are specially trained to provide treatment for missing and damaged teeth. They will also likely have special tools and equipment designed for prostheses and can better treat more complex cases. A general dentist may refer their patient to a prosthodontist when the need arises.
Q. How can I properly care for my restored teeth?
A. Patients with dental restorations can keep their teeth healthy using a lifelong recall and maintenance approach, reducing the risk for failure of tooth and implant-borne restorations.This approach poses that patients who schedule and meet their routine checkups and follow-up appointments, especially when feeling symptoms, and regularly maintain their oral hygiene as well as take care of all treatments immediately are more likely to keep their prosthesis and teeth healthy.
Q. How often are follow-up appointments for prosthodontic treatments?
A. We recommend patients schedule follow-ups every six months to clean, adjust, repair, or replace their restorations. We ensure the prosthesis is working properly during these routine examinations and is not affecting any surrounding teeth, bone, or gums. Routine follow-ups are the best way to maintain your prosthesis and keep your oral cavity healthy post-treatment.
Q. Are there any special home-care tips for restored teeth?
A. Patients with restored teeth should take extra precautions and practice thorough oral hygiene habits to keep their mouth well-maintained. Brush teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, use a mouthwash recommended by your prosthodontist, wear a night guard (if recommended by your prosthodontist) to protect your restorations, and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco and high-sugar or high-acid foods and beverages.
Q. How can I prepare for prosthodontic treatment?
A. During the initial consultation appointment, Westchester Dental Arts will explain the chosen treatment in detail, ensuring the patient knows what to expect on the day of their procedure. We recommend patients sleep well the night before, brush and floss, and come in early to the appointment, which can help greatly reduce anxiety or fear.
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Prosthodontist Terminology
Call Us Today
Prosthodontics can bring your smile back. We at Westchester Dental Arts can help. Call us today at 310-954-3666 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
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