What is a Prosthodontist?

“Sometimes called the ‘architects of the smile,’ prosthodontists are highly trained specialists with a unique understanding of all the elements that go into a beautiful, functional and natural-looking smile--not just the teeth, but also the gums, lips, and facial features.”^[1]

Prosthodontics is a specialization of dentistry. After graduating from college and completing the required four years of dental school, a prosthodontist then completes an additional three years of advanced training in a graduate program accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Dr. Michael L. Bleeker, D.M.D., F.A.C.P., is a Board-Certified Specialist in prosthodontics who is affiliated with a number of prestigious dental organizations such as The American Board of Prosthodontics and the ADA. For a more comprehensive look at Dr. Bleeker’s background--click here.

What Does a Prosthodontist Do?

“As their name implies (‘prosthesis’ = addition or attachment, ‘odont’ = tooth), these specialists plan and carry out procedures related to the replacement of natural teeth, in part or in full, with biocompatible substitutes.”^[2]

At Villa Canyon Prosthodontics--we offer a number of dental treatment options ranging from teeth whitening to porcelain veneers. Check out our previous blog “Create a Beautiful Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry” to see some of the restorative and cosmetic dental solutions we offer.

Main Priorities^[3]

Prosthodontists are recognized as the go-to experts when anything needs to be replaced in the mouth. This treatment can range from replacing or fixing 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 the specialists dedicated to this type of care….They regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists, or other health professionals to develop solutions for your dental needs.”

A prosthodontist’s priorities include^[4]:

●        Several areas of restorative dentistry, including:

○        Dental implants

○        Crowns

○        Bridges

○        Complete dentures

○        Partial dentures

○        Esthetics

○        Occlusion

○        Facial and dental birth development defects

●        Technical and technological aspects of laboratory fabrication of:

○        Complex dental prosthetics

○        Complex restoration of dental and facial esthetics

●        The diagnosing and treatment of planning of patients who have complex dental needs that require treatment services that primarily involve the repair or replacement of natural teeth with a variety of fixed or removable prosthetic options

“Prosthodontics has evolved into its current form through the gradual assimilation of multiple distinct areas of dental practice. Fixed prosthodontics, removable prosthodontics, maxillofacial prosthetics and esthetic dentistry are unique aspects of the broader specialty of prosthodontics in its modern form.”

To schedule a consultation with Scottsdale Prosthodontist Dr. Bleeker, please call 480-306-8510 or click here.

Remember to give your teeth the attention they need today!