A prosthodontist is a registered dental specialist in the field of Prosthodontics, which is an area of dentistry pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function, esthetics, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing teeth, deficient teeth, and/or compromised maxilla-facial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.

Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms 8th Edition. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry 2005; 94(1):1-85.

A prosthodontist has 3 years of advanced training in addition to a general dental training of 5 years that is recognized and registered with the government body AHPRA. Only after this training can they register and be recognized as a dental specialist.

A prosthodontist is complimentary to your general dentist and will work together with them to manage specific problems related to your oral health.

For patients diagnosed with sleep apneoa, your prosthodontist will work closely with your respiratory physician from the diagnostic phase to determine your suitability, to the provision of a sleep apneoa appliance followed by maintenance and review appointments.

Specific services provided by a Prosthodontist include but not limited to:

• Traditional tooth crown and bridgework
• Porcelain veneers
• Resin bonded bridge
• Removable dentures
• Implant over-dentures
• Implant crown and bridgework
• Management of temporo-mandibular disorders
• Maxillo-facial prosthetics
• Sleep apneoa appliance therapy
• Tooth whitening

A patient referred to a prosthodontist may suffer from broken, discolored, worn teeth or a gappy smile. Other patients may have existing dentures which are loose or unstable. These problems may impact on a person’s ability to smile, eat or speak well.

A prosthodontist will diagnose the dental problem, assess the patient’s treatment expectation and offer an appropriate treatment option taking into consideration the current available dental and materials science.

A stepwise treatment plan will be produced and explained in detail. Any potential complications of treatment related to the patient’s treatment will be discussed as part of informed consent prior treatment.

Once treatment is completed the patient will be advised to return to their general dentist for their ongoing dental hygiene and maintenance.

Management at White Light Prosthodontics is always directed by a treatment plan to ensure that the patient is aware of the process and their responsibilities as well as to minimize inefficiencies in treatment time.

The first visit called the consultation appointment involved collecting the necessary information, treatment planning and understanding your treatment needs.

Following visits are appointments for treatment following the treatment plan.

A patient may need more complex procedures to address their dental problems during which other dental specialists or the referring general dentist may be included.

Once treatment is completed an observation period may be required to monitor the results and stability of treatment. This may involve your referring general dentist.

Your opinion matters. We appreciate all feedback about your experience, both positive and negative. Your feedback can be anonymous if required. Please email reception@whitelightprosthodontics.com.au

Australian Dental Association (http://www.ada.org.au)

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (http://www.ahpra.gov.au)

American College or Prosthodontists (http://www.gotoapro.org)