What’s a prosthodontist?

By Dr. Sanjay Karunagaran, Frontier Dental

As one of only a handful of prosthodontists in Northeast Ohio, I am specially trained to handle more complex dental conditions.

Since many may not be familiar with my specialty, I am sharing some FAQs and answers from the American College of Prosthodontics.

Q: What is the role of a prosthodontist?
A: Specializing in treating dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing teeth and jaw structures, a prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed four years of dental school, plus three additional years of advanced training and education. A prosthodontist is highly trained in cosmetics, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD) and more.

Q: When do you need to seek out this specialist?
A: It is advisable to see a prosthodontist if you need to restore any teeth in your mouth. This can include a range of services from single crowns to dentures to a mouth full of crowns and dental implants.

Rigorous training and experience give prosthodontists an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of a smile and the preservation of a healthy mouth. They can help restore both optimum function and esthetics.

Q: How does a prosthodontist differ from a dentist?
A: The term “prostho” means replacement and “dontist” means dealing with teeth. Essentially, prosthodontists are the recognized experts when anything needs to be replaced in your mouth. This can range from a single tooth, multiple teeth or all teeth and gums in the mouth. While many other dentists can do some of these treatments, prosthodontists are specialists in this type of care.

Prosthodontists regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists and other health professionals.

Frontier Dental is located at 5155 Buehlers Drive, Suite 107, in Medina. For an appointment call 330-952-2015 or visit frontierdentalohio.com for more information.