Prosthodontics in California

Prosthodontics is a recognized dental specialty that involves the creation and implementation of a dental prosthesis. A dental prosthesis is an artificial replacement having to do with the mouth and restoring or improving the natural aesthetics and function of the teeth and their surrounding structure.

A Prosthodontist in California has an education that extends beyond the required curriculum for a dentist. Prosthodontists train for approximately 4 more years after regular dental schooling, with many prosthodontists furthering their education beyond the 4 extra years in certification programs. The education of a prosthodontist includes but is not limited to the structure of the face, neck and head, research and study of the different ways jaws function in relation to bite (occlusion), congenital problems and sleep disorders. They are also training in design and preparation of orthodontics and the manufacture of prostheses. Prosthodontists can replace one tooth or all the teeth in a person's mouth. They build crowns, dental prostheses such as dentures, partial plates and bridges. Prosthodontists perform cosmetic procedures such as veneers, replacing tissue of the gum area, tooth reshaping, and tooth whitening.