What is the Difference Between Periodontics and Prosthodontics?
Posted on 12/19/2022 by Hilton Israelson, DDS
While your regular family dentist can be a generalist, two specialists sound similar but offer different services: a periodontist and a prosthodontist. Periodontists specialize in the teeth' tissue, and prosthodontists deal with dental appliances like dentures, bridges, and other appliances for people with missing teeth. Understanding each role's different roles helps you know who to consult depending on your emergency.
What Are prosthodontists?
The American College of Prosthodontists defines a prosthodontist as a dentist who specializes in oral rehabilitation. They design, fit, and install dental appliances like crowns, veneers, bridges, inlays, and partial and complete dentures. However, if you need a specialist to handle implants, both prosthodontists and periodontists can help.
Prosthodontists also treat temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ) problems, such as congenital anomalies, traumatic oral injuries, and sleep disorders. The most common procedure performed by prosthodontists is reconstructive work on patients who have undergone oral cancer surgery and are trained in dental improvement and repair aesthetics.
What Are Periodontists?
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, a periodontist specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral inflammation and gum disease. They usually use root planing and scaling to clean the damaged tooth or remove the affected tissue effectively. In addition to conducting a comprehensive assessment of the patient's gums and teeth, an X-ray can be taken to offer an in-depth view of the affected area. This helps to detect pockets and signs of infection that can compromise the patient's oral health.
Similarities Between Periodontists & prosthodontists
Both periodontists and prosthodontists start as general dentists in their careers after completing four years of dental school. However, prosthodontists and periodontists spend an extra three years in a specialized program to learn how to restore optimal oral function and improve aesthetics. If you need implants installed, both specialists can do it without compromising your well-being. Schedule a professional dental practitioner consultation to improve dental health and appeal.
While your regular family dentist can be a generalist, two specialists sound similar but offer different services: a periodontist and a prosthodontist. Periodontists specialize in the teeth' tissue, and prosthodontists deal with dental appliances like dentures, bridges, and other appliances for people with missing teeth. Understanding each role's different roles helps you know who to consult depending on your emergency.