Finding the right type of dentist for your needs can be a bit scary and intimidating. There is a dental specialization for almost every type of oral issue. Choosing which specialist you need might present a challenge. There are nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Too often, people confuse a periodontist and a prosthodontist for a myriad of reasons. The simplest reason being that, they’re both specialties that begin with the letter “p” and end in “ist.”
Let’s explore the differences between a prosthodontist and a periodontist and how they can help you get the best dental care for your needs.
What is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist performs dental procedures that focus on tooth restoration and oral cosmetics. They treat issues like congenital oral anomalies, oral trauma or injury to the mouth structure, temporomandibular joint disorders, and sleep disorders associated with the mouth.
Prosthodontists use bridges, crowns, veneers, dentures, dental implants and inlays to restore missing teeth. Celebrities often visit prosthodontists to make their teeth more symmetrical by having them reshaped.
They perform oral surgeries on patients who may have difficult cosmetic needs, such as reconstructive surgeries. Prosthodontics also rebuild teeth that are worn out.
Patients who need prosthodontic work come in different ages and could very well be healthy, save for having a dental issue that needs to be fixed.
Prosthodontists require three years of postdoctoral training.
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases that effect the structures around the teeth: gums, alveolar bone, and the periodontal ligament.
Like prosthodontists, they able to perform oral surgeries, but focused on a different area, like managing diseased affecting gums and bones around the teeth as well as dental implants.
Because their focus is the treatment and prevention of gum disease, a periodontist will provide advice and tips to maintain healthy gums and prevent periodontal diseases. Periodontal patients tend to be older or elderly due to being more prone to chronic diseases.
Periodontists require two years of specialized training after graduation.
More Differences between Prosthodontists and Periodontists
Prosthodontists and periodontists are certified by two different boards. Prosthodontists are certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics after passing both written and oral examinations. A periodontist is certified by the American Board of Periodontology after passing both oral and written exams. Both periodontal and prosthodontic certifications are valid for six years.
Knowing the difference between a periodontist and a prosthodontist will do a world of good in finding the right dentist for you. This is especially necessary for those who want to go into dentistry but not sure what they want to specialize in. Having a periodontal practice can be quite lucrative. If you need help getting started or if you’ve come across our website because you have a periodontal practice for sale, let the experts at Aptus Exchange help you through the process.
