Practice
What is a Prosthodontist?
Prosthodontists are dentists who have undergone recognised and formally structured university training programme to give them the extra skills and knowledge required to plan and manage more complex restorative dental problems.
This extra training equips a Prosthodontist to treat a variety of reconstructive problems; from improving smiles and appearance, to rebuilding broken down dentitions, and restoring patients with few/ no teeth to dental function. This advanced training teaches them to be competent in the use a variety of clinical techniques including; porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges, removable partial and full dentures and reconstruction using dental implants, as well as more basic procedures.
A significant aspect of prosthodontic training also involves gathering relevant detailed diagnostic data and considering a variety of solutions to solving dental problems. This helps to determine what treatment options may be available and most appropriate. The specialist training programmes also aim to foster an ability to critically review new information and concepts and to ensure that, where possible, current evidence based treatment principles are adhered to.
The aim of treatment is to ensure that the patient is provided with a superior long-term result rather than a "quick fix" solution, which might break down relatively early or even damage previously healthy teeth and gums.
To that end, a Prosthodontist will often work closely with other dental specialists (e.g. Periodontists, Oral Surgeons and Endodontists) to ensure a long term solution to dental problems is realised.
The Dental Council of New Zealand recognises prosthodontics as a specialty, and many patients prefer the security this affords them prior to embarking on what may be complex and/ or expensive treatment.