National Prosthodontics Awareness Week (NPAW) is an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of prosthodontics in dental care, and is celebrated each April. Prosthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients suffering from missing or damaged teeth. These specialized dentists are equipped with the skills and expertise needed to provide their patients with the best possible dental care for the most complex dental issues. Of the dentists currently practicing in the United States, less than 2% are Prosthodontists.
What is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist has completed an additional three years of advanced training beyond dental school. This specialized training allows prosthodontists to diagnose, plan, and provide advanced dental care for patients with complex dental problems, including missing teeth, jaw joint disorders, and congenital disorders. They also specialize in the placement of dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots placed in the jawbone to support replacement teeth.
Prosthodontists work closely with other dental specialists, such as oral surgeons, and periodontists, to provide comprehensive care for their patients. They use advanced techniques and technologies to create customized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs.
Why Should Patients Seek Prosthodontic Care?
Prosthodontists are specialists in the restoration and replacement of teeth. According to a Cleveland Clinic article, some of the most common reasons include:
- Missing or damaged teeth: Prosthodontists can restore function and improve appearance by replacing missing or damaged teeth with dental implants, dentures, bridges, or other prosthetic devices.
- Jaw and bite problems: Prosthodontists can help correct jaw and bite problems that can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty eating or speaking.
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ): Prosthodontists can diagnose and treat TMJ disorders, which can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
- Trauma: Prosthodontists can help restore oral function and appearance after traumatic injury to the mouth or jaw.
- Cosmetic concerns: Prosthodontists can help improve the appearance of teeth and gums with cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, and gum contouring.
- Obstructive sleep apnea: Prosthodontists can help treat obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep, by creating custom oral appliances that can help keep the airway open.
If you are ready to stop hiding your smile, and would like to explore the cosmetic and restorative solutions our team can offer to improve your smile—in both aesthetics and function, contact Dental Solutions of Binghamton. Our qualified team includes THREE prosthodontists—Dr. Ronald Sambursky, Dr. Fritz Zietsman and Dr. David DiPalma. They look forward to discussing our smile restoration solutions at your consultation. Don’t hide your smile any longer – schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards restoring your confident and functional smile.