Understanding the differences between general dentists and prosthodontists enables you to choose the appropriate provider for your specific oral health needs and smile goals.
What Does a General Dentist Do?
General dentists focus on maintaining teeth and gum wellness through preventive care. They provide:
- Regular checkups and cleanings to prevent cavities and gum disease
- Fillings for decay restoration
- Root canals for severe infections
- Crowns and bridges for damaged or missing teeth
- Oral cancer screenings
What Does a Prosthodontist Do?
Prosthodontists are specialists trained to restore and replace teeth with attention to both function and appearance. They offer:
- Teeth whitening
- Porcelain veneers for chips and discoloration
- Bonding for minor cracks and gaps
- Dental implants for missing teeth
- Smile makeovers combining appearance and functionality
Key Differences Between General Dentistry and Prosthodontics
Focus
General dentistry emphasizes oral health prevention; prosthodontics prioritizes restoration combining aesthetics with functionality.
Training
Prosthodontists complete additional specialized education beyond dental school, typically two to three additional years of advanced training.
Materials
Prosthodontics uses advanced materials like porcelain veneers and implants; general dentistry typically uses composite restorations.
Why Choose Our Prosthodontists?
Our practice offers multidisciplinary teams, an on-site laboratory (On-the-Mark Laboratory) for custom prosthetics, and individualized treatment planning addressing your specific goals. Direct collaboration between our doctors and lab technicians ensures exceptional results.
How to Decide Which Dentist You Need
Visit a general dentist for routine care, cleanings, and preventive needs. Consult a prosthodontist for tooth restoration or replacement, discoloration, or comprehensive smile transformations. If you are unsure which type of provider is best for your needs, we are happy to help guide you during a consultation.