To celebrate National Prosthodontics Awareness Week, we are sharing 5 facts about the Prosthodontics specialty!

1. Prosthodontics is a dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with missing or deficient teeth. Think prosthetics, but for teeth!
2. Three extra years of training. In order to gain the certification, Prosthodontists complete an additional 3 years on training in an American Dental Association-accredited graduate program after completing dental school.
3. Prosthodontists differ from other dentists and dental specialists.  The prefix “prostho” means replacement and “dontist” means dealing with teeth. Prosthodontists are THE recognized experts in replacing teeth, be it a single tooth or several teeth. While many other dentists can do crowns, bridges, dentures and implants, prosthodontists are specialists who are dedicated to this type of care.

   Prosthodontists excel at treating patients who have complex cases or have high aesthetic demand. Prosthodontists act as a quarterback, and lead teams of general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions for your dental needs.

4. 3,500 practicing Prosthodontists in the U.S. According to the American Dental Association (2017), there are over 3,500 practicing prosthodontists and prosthodontic residents in the United States. How lucky are we to have Dr. Patt  at BOCO Dental?!
5. There is a growing need for prosthodontic work. 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth.  Furthermore, 36 million Americans do not have any teeth! About 23 million are completely edentulous (missing teeth) and about 12 million are edentulous in one arch. Luckily, Prosthodontics have the expertise to help people with missing teeth, and also can be helpful in preventing tooth loss in the first place!

Facts and Stats courtesy of The American College of Prosthodontists.