WHEN DO YOU NEED A PROSTHODONTIST? - By Dr. Howard Chasolen
What exactly is a prosthodontist?
Most of us are familiar with an oral surgeon, an orthodontist and even a periodontist or endodontist. But few have heard of a prosthodontist. A prosthodontist is a dentist with a specialty degree in the art and science of complex cosmetic dentistry and full bite reconstruction. This includes the restoration of dental implants.
"We spend more than 9,000 hours over a three-year period of full-time immersion in our specialty."
What is the training involved?
There are many weekend seminars out there to help dentists expand their scope of practice. But specialty training is full-time residency, university based and mentor supervised. We spend more than 9,000 hours over a three-year period of full-time immersion in our specialty. A specialty certificate is one that is earned by completing an accredited specialty program.
When would I need the help of a prosthodontist?
A general dentist is well trained to deal with routine family practice and, in some instances, routine cosmetic dentistry. However, if you are considering major cosmetic dentistry, bite reconstruction or dental implant treatment, you should get the opinion of a prosthodontist. A prosthodontist will design and engineer the details of a complex dental plan before the treatment ever begins. Similar to an architect and engineer planning the details of a house prior to the foundation installation, a prosthodontist applies his or her training and experience in material science, biomechanics, cosmetic dentistry and biology to orchestrate a customized plan for complex dentistry. It is far easier to do it right the first time than to have to redo it a second time. Today’s dentistry can be life-changing and exciting. Making the right decisions before you begin such a process will ensure a great outcome.
Dr. Howard Chasolen is a specialist in prosthodontics and past president of the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Florida Prosthodontic Association. He has been servicing Sarasota for over 20 years.
ABOUT
Specializes in complex cosmetic dentistry, implant restoration, full bite reconstruction and the retreatment of failed dentistry.
LOCATION 2033 Wood St., Suite 125 Sarasota, Florida 34237
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