{"id":89,"date":"2026-01-26T19:33:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T19:33:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pvfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=89"},"modified":"2026-01-26T19:33:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T19:33:59","slug":"prosthodontist-vs-general-dentist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pvfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/prosthodontist-vs-general-dentist\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Visit a Prosthodontist Instead of a General Dentist?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Prosthodontist<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Let\u2019s say you need to replace a missing tooth or two. The first type of doctor you\u2019d think about seeing would be a dentist, right? You\u2019re off to a good start there, and certainly, most general dentists would be able to provide you with a bridge or denture. But if you want to receive the best quality care from a certified restoration expert, a prosthodontist<\/a> is who you should visit! Here\u2019s the inside scoop on what a prosthodontist is and what they can do for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Prosthodontist vs. General Dentist \u2013 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Technically speaking, if you see a dental professional who has completed dental school and offers comprehensive services, you\u2019re most likely visiting a \u201cgeneral\u201d dentist. They\u2019re who you normally think of when it\u2019s time to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, though many do also provide more advanced treatments such as gum disease therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A prosthodontist has completed all of the \u201cbasic\u201d schooling a general dentist has, and then some. <\/em>All told, that\u2019s four years of pre-dental schooling, four years of dental school, and another three years of specialized training through an accredited graduate program (which often includes residency!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can think of a general dentist as a jack-of-all-trades, and a prosthodontist as a master of restoring and replacing tooth structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Seeing a Specialist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because of their expertise, seeing any type of specialist for medical care can be more expensive. However, the benefits often justify the cost! A prosthodontist can address complex restorative and cosmetic needs that a general dentist may not feel as confident treating, for example. Though no matter the severity of your case, you\u2019ll be able to rest easy knowing that your smile restoration or enhancement is being performed by a top-notch expert!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I Book My Next Appointment with A Prosthodontist?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Visiting a prosthodontist near you can be a good idea if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n