National Prosthodontics Awareness Week (April 12-18) is sponsored by the American College of Prosthodontists. Prosthodontists are dental specialists who have successfully completed two to three years of additional training after dental school in the prevention and treatment of tooth loss. Tooth loss happens as a result of decay, gum disease, traumatic injury, cancer or excessive wear. Losing teeth places stress on the mouth structures and shape, causing the bone to shrink and possibly changing a person’s facial appearance.
Many adults who do not replace their missing teeth suffer poor self-esteem, premature aging, poor diet, loss of function and social embarrassment. By using dental implants, cosmetic fixed bridgework, cosmetic removable partial denture and complete cosmetic dentures, a prosthodontist’s expertise can change a smile and a life. If patients are missing one or more teeth, are interested in dental implants, wear dentures or removable partial dentures and/or desire to improve the esthetics of their smile, they should ask their dentist about a referral to a prosthodontist. These specialists have a highly skilled understanding of the dynamics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth and the tooth replacement.
Prosthodontists also maintain a strong commitment to the dental health care needs of older patients, individuals with birth defects and those who have been affected by oral cancer. Readers can visit GoToAPro.org for more information on how prosthodontic treatment can keep their smile healthy for a lifetime…read more
